Unnamed: 0 int64 0 350k | level_0 int64 0 351k | ApplicationNumber int64 9.75M 96.1M | ArtUnit int64 1.6k 3.99k | Abstract stringlengths 1 8.37k | Claims stringlengths 3 292k | abstract-claims stringlengths 68 293k | TechCenter int64 1.6k 3.9k |
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12,700 | 12,700 | 14,884,726 | 3,682 | A computer system ( 100 ) for use by a retailer with a restricted use consumer coupons ( 100 ) includes a point of sale (POS) computer ( 201 ) for providing information regarding redemption of restricted use coupons at the POS. A central promotion server ( 203 ) is used for communicating with the POS computer ( 201 ) for storing restricted use coupon data. A validation computer ( 205 ) is used for rendering restricted use coupon data from the retailer or customer and providing the data to the central promotion server ( 203 ). The retailer can then provide restricted use coupons containing traceable data to a server ( 211 ) for distribution to consumers through one or more of channels of trade. | 1.-51. (canceled) 52. A restricted use coupon system, comprising:
a restricted use coupon database; a first processor; and a first memory having instructions stored therein which, when executed by the first processor, cause the first processor to
create a plurality of unique numbers each associated with a different one of a corresponding plurality of restricted use coupons,
store and identify in the restricted use coupon database each of the plurality of unique numbers as being eligible for redemption, wherein none of the plurality of unique numbers is tied in the restricted use coupon database to a particular consumer, and
after storing the plurality of unique numbers,
receive from a point-of-sale terminal an electronic communication containing a number of digits embedded in a barcode of a coupon presented thereto,
compare the received number of digits with at least some of the plurality of unique numbers stored in the restricted use coupon database, and
if the received number of digits matches one of the plurality of unique numbers stored and identified in the restricted use coupon database as being eligible for redemption,
electronically communicate to the point-of-sale terminal a notification that the presented coupon is eligible for redemption, and
modify the matching one of the plurality of unique numbers to identify in the restricted use coupon database the matching one of the plurality of unique numbers as being not eligible for redemption, each of the plurality of restricted use coupons thereby being redeemable only once. 53. The restricted use coupon system of claim 52, wherein the first memory further has instructions stored therein which, when executed by the first processor, cause the first processor to, following electronically communicating to the point-of-sale terminal the notification that the presented coupon is eligible for redemption, receive from the point-of-sale terminal an electronic communication containing a post-transaction message that the presented coupon has been redeemed, and to modify the matching one of the plurality of unique numbers only after receiving the post-transaction message. 54. The restricted use coupon system of claim 52, further comprising the point-of-sale terminal and the coupon presented thereto, the coupon including the barcode having the number of digits embedded therein, the point-of-sale terminal having a point-of-sale computer in communication with the first processor, the point-of-sale computer including a second processor and a second memory having instructions stored therein which, when executed by the second processor of the point-of-sale computer, cause the second processor to
read the barcode of the coupon presented thereto, extract from the barcode the number of digits embedded therein, and transmit to the first processor the electronic communication containing the extracted number of digits. 55. The restricted use coupon system of claim 54 wherein the barcode further has embedded therein an identification,
and wherein the second memory further has instructions stored therein which, when executed by the second processor, cause the second processor to
extract from the barcode the identification embedded therein, and
transmit to the first processor the electronic communication containing the extracted number of digits only if the identification identifies the coupon as a restricted use coupon. 56. The restricted use coupon system of claim 54 wherein the second memory further has instructions stored therein which, when executed by the second processor, cause the second processor to
receive from the first processor the notification that the presented coupon is eligible for redemption,
in response to receiving the notification that the presented coupon is eligible for redemption, redeem the presented coupon against corresponding merchandise being processed for purchase by the point-of-sale terminal, and
following redemption of the presented coupon, transmit to the first processor an electronic communication containing a post-transaction message that the presented coupon has been redeemed. 57. The restricted use coupon system of claim 56, wherein the first memory further has instructions stored therein which, when executed by the first processor, cause the first processor to, receive from the second processor the electronic communication containing the post-transaction message that the presented coupon has been redeemed, and modify the matching one of the plurality of unique numbers only after receiving the post-transaction message. 58. A restricted use coupon system, comprising:
a restricted use coupon database having a plurality of unique numbers stored therein each associated with a different one of a corresponding plurality of restricted use coupons, wherein some of the plurality of unique numbers are identified in the restricted use coupon database as being eligible for redemption and others of the plurality of unique numbers are identified in the restricted use database as being no longer eligible for redemption, and wherein none of the plurality of unique numbers is tied in the restricted use coupon database to a particular consumer; a first processor; and a first memory having instructions stored therein which, when executed by the first processor, cause the first processor to
receive from a point-of-sale terminal an electronic communication containing a number of digits embedded in a barcode of a coupon presented thereto,
compare the received number of digits with at least some of the plurality of unique numbers stored in the restricted use coupon database,
if the received number of digits matches one of the plurality of unique numbers identified in the restricted use coupon database as being eligible for redemption,
electronically communicate to the point-of-sale terminal a notification that the presented coupon is eligible for redemption, and
modify the matching one of the plurality of unique numbers to identify in the restricted use coupon database the matching one of the plurality of unique numbers as being no longer eligible for redemption, and
if the received number of digits matches one of the plurality of unique numbers identified in the restricted use coupon database as being no longer eligible for redemption, electronically communicate to the point-of-sale terminal a notification that the presented coupon is not eligible for redemption, each of the plurality of restricted use coupons thereby being redeemable only once. 59. The restricted use coupon system of claim 58, wherein the first memory further has instructions stored therein which, when executed by the first processor, cause the first processor to, following electronically communicating to the point-of-sale terminal the notification that the presented coupon is eligible for redemption, receive from the point-of-sale terminal an electronic communication containing a post-transaction message that the presented coupon has been redeemed, and to modify the matching one of the plurality of unique numbers only after receiving the post-transaction message. 60. The restricted use coupon system of claim 58, further comprising the point-of-sale terminal and the coupon presented thereto, the coupon including the barcode having the number of digits embedded therein, the point-of-sale terminal having a point-of-sale computer in communication with the first processor, the point-of-sale computer including a second processor and a second memory having instructions stored therein which, when executed by the second processor of the point-of-sale computer, cause the second processor to
read the barcode of the coupon presented thereto, extract from the barcode the number of digits embedded therein, and transmit to the first processor the electronic communication containing the extracted number of digits. 61. The restricted use coupon system of claim 60 wherein the barcode further has embedded therein an identification,
and wherein the second memory further has instructions stored therein which, when executed by the second processor, cause the second processor to
extract from the barcode the identification embedded therein, and
transmit to the first processor the electronic communication containing the extracted number of digits only if the identification identifies the coupon as a restricted use coupon. 62. The restricted use coupon system of claim 60 wherein the second memory further has instructions stored therein which, when executed by the second processor, cause the second processor to
receive from the first processor the notification that the presented coupon is eligible for redemption,
in response to receiving the notification that the presented coupon is eligible for redemption, redeem the presented coupon against corresponding merchandise being processed for purchase by the point-of-sale terminal, and
following redemption of the presented coupon, transmit to the first processor an electronic communication containing a post-transaction message that the presented coupon has been redeemed. 63. The restricted use coupon system of claim 62, wherein the first memory further has instructions stored therein which, when executed by the first processor, cause the first processor to, receive from the second processor the electronic communication containing the post-transaction message that the presented coupon has been redeemed, and modify the matching one of the plurality of unique numbers only after receiving the post-transaction message. 64. The restricted use coupon system of claim 60 wherein the second memory further has instructions stored therein which, when executed by the second processor, cause the second processor to
receive from the first processor the notification that the presented coupon is not eligible for redemption, and
in response to receiving the notification that the presented coupon is not eligible for redemption, deny redemption of the presented coupon against corresponding merchandise being processed for purchase by the point-of-sale terminal. 65. A method for processing a restricted use coupon, comprising:
creating with a first processor a plurality of unique numbers each associated with a different one of a corresponding plurality of restricted use coupons, with the first processor, storing and identify in a restricted use coupon database each of the plurality of unique numbers as being eligible for redemption, wherein none of the plurality of unique numbers is tied in the restricted use coupon database to a particular consumer, and after storing the plurality of unique numbers in the restricted coupon database,
under control of the first processor, receiving from a point-of-sale terminal an electronic communication containing a number of digits embedded in a barcode of a coupon presented thereto,
comparing with the first processor the received number of digits with at least some of the plurality of unique numbers stored in the restricted use coupon database, and
if the received number of digits matches one of the plurality of unique numbers stored and identified in the restricted use coupon database as being eligible for redemption,
under control of the first processor, electronically communicating to the point-of-sale terminal a notification that the presented coupon is eligible for redemption, and
modifying with the first processor the matching one of the plurality of unique numbers to identify in the restricted use coupon database the matching one of the plurality of unique numbers as being not eligible for redemption, each of the plurality of restricted use coupons thereby being redeemable only once. 66. The method of claim 65, wherein, following electronically communicating to the point-of-sale terminal the notification that the presented coupon is eligible for redemption, under control of the first processor, receiving from the point-of-sale terminal an electronic communication containing a post-transaction message that the presented coupon has been redeemed, and modify with the first processor the matching one of the plurality of unique numbers only after receiving the post-transaction message. 67. The method of claim 65, wherein the point-of-sale terminal includes a second processor, the method further comprising:
with the second processor, reading the barcode of the coupon presented thereto, with the second processor, extracting from the barcode the number of digits embedded therein, and under control of the second processor, transmitting to the first processor the electronic communication containing the extracted number of digits. 68. The method of claim 67 wherein the barcode further has embedded therein an identification, the method further comprising:
with the second processor, extracting from the barcode the identification embedded therein, and
under control of the second processor, transmitting to the first processor the electronic communication containing the extracted number of digits only if the identification identifies the coupon as a restricted use coupon. 69. The method of claim 67, further comprising:
under control of the second processor, receiving from the first processor the notification that the presented coupon is eligible for redemption, in response to receiving the notification that the presented coupon is eligible for redemption, redeeming with the second processor the presented coupon against corresponding merchandise being processed for purchase by the point-of-sale terminal, and following redemption of the presented coupon, under control of the second processor, transmitting to the first processor an electronic communication containing a post-transaction message that the presented coupon has been redeemed. 70. The method of claim 69, further comprising, under control of the first processor, receiving from the second processor the electronic communication containing the post-transaction message that the presented coupon has been redeemed, and modifying with the first processor the matching one of the plurality of unique numbers only after receiving the post-transaction message. | A computer system ( 100 ) for use by a retailer with a restricted use consumer coupons ( 100 ) includes a point of sale (POS) computer ( 201 ) for providing information regarding redemption of restricted use coupons at the POS. A central promotion server ( 203 ) is used for communicating with the POS computer ( 201 ) for storing restricted use coupon data. A validation computer ( 205 ) is used for rendering restricted use coupon data from the retailer or customer and providing the data to the central promotion server ( 203 ). The retailer can then provide restricted use coupons containing traceable data to a server ( 211 ) for distribution to consumers through one or more of channels of trade.1.-51. (canceled) 52. A restricted use coupon system, comprising:
a restricted use coupon database; a first processor; and a first memory having instructions stored therein which, when executed by the first processor, cause the first processor to
create a plurality of unique numbers each associated with a different one of a corresponding plurality of restricted use coupons,
store and identify in the restricted use coupon database each of the plurality of unique numbers as being eligible for redemption, wherein none of the plurality of unique numbers is tied in the restricted use coupon database to a particular consumer, and
after storing the plurality of unique numbers,
receive from a point-of-sale terminal an electronic communication containing a number of digits embedded in a barcode of a coupon presented thereto,
compare the received number of digits with at least some of the plurality of unique numbers stored in the restricted use coupon database, and
if the received number of digits matches one of the plurality of unique numbers stored and identified in the restricted use coupon database as being eligible for redemption,
electronically communicate to the point-of-sale terminal a notification that the presented coupon is eligible for redemption, and
modify the matching one of the plurality of unique numbers to identify in the restricted use coupon database the matching one of the plurality of unique numbers as being not eligible for redemption, each of the plurality of restricted use coupons thereby being redeemable only once. 53. The restricted use coupon system of claim 52, wherein the first memory further has instructions stored therein which, when executed by the first processor, cause the first processor to, following electronically communicating to the point-of-sale terminal the notification that the presented coupon is eligible for redemption, receive from the point-of-sale terminal an electronic communication containing a post-transaction message that the presented coupon has been redeemed, and to modify the matching one of the plurality of unique numbers only after receiving the post-transaction message. 54. The restricted use coupon system of claim 52, further comprising the point-of-sale terminal and the coupon presented thereto, the coupon including the barcode having the number of digits embedded therein, the point-of-sale terminal having a point-of-sale computer in communication with the first processor, the point-of-sale computer including a second processor and a second memory having instructions stored therein which, when executed by the second processor of the point-of-sale computer, cause the second processor to
read the barcode of the coupon presented thereto, extract from the barcode the number of digits embedded therein, and transmit to the first processor the electronic communication containing the extracted number of digits. 55. The restricted use coupon system of claim 54 wherein the barcode further has embedded therein an identification,
and wherein the second memory further has instructions stored therein which, when executed by the second processor, cause the second processor to
extract from the barcode the identification embedded therein, and
transmit to the first processor the electronic communication containing the extracted number of digits only if the identification identifies the coupon as a restricted use coupon. 56. The restricted use coupon system of claim 54 wherein the second memory further has instructions stored therein which, when executed by the second processor, cause the second processor to
receive from the first processor the notification that the presented coupon is eligible for redemption,
in response to receiving the notification that the presented coupon is eligible for redemption, redeem the presented coupon against corresponding merchandise being processed for purchase by the point-of-sale terminal, and
following redemption of the presented coupon, transmit to the first processor an electronic communication containing a post-transaction message that the presented coupon has been redeemed. 57. The restricted use coupon system of claim 56, wherein the first memory further has instructions stored therein which, when executed by the first processor, cause the first processor to, receive from the second processor the electronic communication containing the post-transaction message that the presented coupon has been redeemed, and modify the matching one of the plurality of unique numbers only after receiving the post-transaction message. 58. A restricted use coupon system, comprising:
a restricted use coupon database having a plurality of unique numbers stored therein each associated with a different one of a corresponding plurality of restricted use coupons, wherein some of the plurality of unique numbers are identified in the restricted use coupon database as being eligible for redemption and others of the plurality of unique numbers are identified in the restricted use database as being no longer eligible for redemption, and wherein none of the plurality of unique numbers is tied in the restricted use coupon database to a particular consumer; a first processor; and a first memory having instructions stored therein which, when executed by the first processor, cause the first processor to
receive from a point-of-sale terminal an electronic communication containing a number of digits embedded in a barcode of a coupon presented thereto,
compare the received number of digits with at least some of the plurality of unique numbers stored in the restricted use coupon database,
if the received number of digits matches one of the plurality of unique numbers identified in the restricted use coupon database as being eligible for redemption,
electronically communicate to the point-of-sale terminal a notification that the presented coupon is eligible for redemption, and
modify the matching one of the plurality of unique numbers to identify in the restricted use coupon database the matching one of the plurality of unique numbers as being no longer eligible for redemption, and
if the received number of digits matches one of the plurality of unique numbers identified in the restricted use coupon database as being no longer eligible for redemption, electronically communicate to the point-of-sale terminal a notification that the presented coupon is not eligible for redemption, each of the plurality of restricted use coupons thereby being redeemable only once. 59. The restricted use coupon system of claim 58, wherein the first memory further has instructions stored therein which, when executed by the first processor, cause the first processor to, following electronically communicating to the point-of-sale terminal the notification that the presented coupon is eligible for redemption, receive from the point-of-sale terminal an electronic communication containing a post-transaction message that the presented coupon has been redeemed, and to modify the matching one of the plurality of unique numbers only after receiving the post-transaction message. 60. The restricted use coupon system of claim 58, further comprising the point-of-sale terminal and the coupon presented thereto, the coupon including the barcode having the number of digits embedded therein, the point-of-sale terminal having a point-of-sale computer in communication with the first processor, the point-of-sale computer including a second processor and a second memory having instructions stored therein which, when executed by the second processor of the point-of-sale computer, cause the second processor to
read the barcode of the coupon presented thereto, extract from the barcode the number of digits embedded therein, and transmit to the first processor the electronic communication containing the extracted number of digits. 61. The restricted use coupon system of claim 60 wherein the barcode further has embedded therein an identification,
and wherein the second memory further has instructions stored therein which, when executed by the second processor, cause the second processor to
extract from the barcode the identification embedded therein, and
transmit to the first processor the electronic communication containing the extracted number of digits only if the identification identifies the coupon as a restricted use coupon. 62. The restricted use coupon system of claim 60 wherein the second memory further has instructions stored therein which, when executed by the second processor, cause the second processor to
receive from the first processor the notification that the presented coupon is eligible for redemption,
in response to receiving the notification that the presented coupon is eligible for redemption, redeem the presented coupon against corresponding merchandise being processed for purchase by the point-of-sale terminal, and
following redemption of the presented coupon, transmit to the first processor an electronic communication containing a post-transaction message that the presented coupon has been redeemed. 63. The restricted use coupon system of claim 62, wherein the first memory further has instructions stored therein which, when executed by the first processor, cause the first processor to, receive from the second processor the electronic communication containing the post-transaction message that the presented coupon has been redeemed, and modify the matching one of the plurality of unique numbers only after receiving the post-transaction message. 64. The restricted use coupon system of claim 60 wherein the second memory further has instructions stored therein which, when executed by the second processor, cause the second processor to
receive from the first processor the notification that the presented coupon is not eligible for redemption, and
in response to receiving the notification that the presented coupon is not eligible for redemption, deny redemption of the presented coupon against corresponding merchandise being processed for purchase by the point-of-sale terminal. 65. A method for processing a restricted use coupon, comprising:
creating with a first processor a plurality of unique numbers each associated with a different one of a corresponding plurality of restricted use coupons, with the first processor, storing and identify in a restricted use coupon database each of the plurality of unique numbers as being eligible for redemption, wherein none of the plurality of unique numbers is tied in the restricted use coupon database to a particular consumer, and after storing the plurality of unique numbers in the restricted coupon database,
under control of the first processor, receiving from a point-of-sale terminal an electronic communication containing a number of digits embedded in a barcode of a coupon presented thereto,
comparing with the first processor the received number of digits with at least some of the plurality of unique numbers stored in the restricted use coupon database, and
if the received number of digits matches one of the plurality of unique numbers stored and identified in the restricted use coupon database as being eligible for redemption,
under control of the first processor, electronically communicating to the point-of-sale terminal a notification that the presented coupon is eligible for redemption, and
modifying with the first processor the matching one of the plurality of unique numbers to identify in the restricted use coupon database the matching one of the plurality of unique numbers as being not eligible for redemption, each of the plurality of restricted use coupons thereby being redeemable only once. 66. The method of claim 65, wherein, following electronically communicating to the point-of-sale terminal the notification that the presented coupon is eligible for redemption, under control of the first processor, receiving from the point-of-sale terminal an electronic communication containing a post-transaction message that the presented coupon has been redeemed, and modify with the first processor the matching one of the plurality of unique numbers only after receiving the post-transaction message. 67. The method of claim 65, wherein the point-of-sale terminal includes a second processor, the method further comprising:
with the second processor, reading the barcode of the coupon presented thereto, with the second processor, extracting from the barcode the number of digits embedded therein, and under control of the second processor, transmitting to the first processor the electronic communication containing the extracted number of digits. 68. The method of claim 67 wherein the barcode further has embedded therein an identification, the method further comprising:
with the second processor, extracting from the barcode the identification embedded therein, and
under control of the second processor, transmitting to the first processor the electronic communication containing the extracted number of digits only if the identification identifies the coupon as a restricted use coupon. 69. The method of claim 67, further comprising:
under control of the second processor, receiving from the first processor the notification that the presented coupon is eligible for redemption, in response to receiving the notification that the presented coupon is eligible for redemption, redeeming with the second processor the presented coupon against corresponding merchandise being processed for purchase by the point-of-sale terminal, and following redemption of the presented coupon, under control of the second processor, transmitting to the first processor an electronic communication containing a post-transaction message that the presented coupon has been redeemed. 70. The method of claim 69, further comprising, under control of the first processor, receiving from the second processor the electronic communication containing the post-transaction message that the presented coupon has been redeemed, and modifying with the first processor the matching one of the plurality of unique numbers only after receiving the post-transaction message. | 3,600 |
12,701 | 12,701 | 12,407,204 | 3,616 | Expanded metal sheets are used to produce tubular filters. The expanded metal sheet has a multiplicity of rows of openings arranged to reduce nesting when the sheet is rolled on itself. In particular, the pitch between the rows of openings, the sizes of the openings, or both the pitch between the rows of openings and the sizes of the openings are varied to reduce nesting when the expanded metal sheet is rolled on itself. The filters can include external circumferential grooves, rounded corners produced by a point loading process, textured surfaces between openings, and/or torturous internal paths produced by non-perforated areas of an expanded metal sheet. The expanded metal sheet can be composed of carbon steel coated with a material having a higher heat conductivity, e.g., tin. Among other things, the filters can be used in automobile airbag inflators to capture slag and absorb heat produced by the inflator's explosive charge. | 1. A tubular filter comprising an expanded metal sheet having a multiplicity of rows of openings arranged to reduce nesting when the sheet is rolled on itself, the sheet rolled into a tube, and welded to fix the tubular orientation, wherein:
(a) the expanded metal sheet is formed from a larger sheet of metal having a width and an axis; (b) the expanded metal sheet has long edges formed by the larger sheet of metal and short edges where it has been cut as a portion of the larger sheet; (c) the openings are formed by forming slits in the larger sheet of metal and stretching the slits in the direction of the axis; and (d) the pitch between the rows of openings, the sizes of the openings, or both the pitch between the rows of openings and the sizes of the openings are varied to reduce nesting when the expanded metal sheet is rolled on itself. 2. The filter of claim 1 wherein the pitch between rows of openings is varied as a function of the circumference defined by a given portion of the expanded metal sheet in the rolled up filter so that radially adjacent openings do not nest. 3. The filter of claim 1 wherein the expanded metal sheet includes areas that do not include openings. 4. The filter of claim 1 wherein the filter is an automotive airbag filter. 5. A method of making a filter comprising:
(a) providing a sheet of metal having a width and an axis; (b) forming slits in the sheet and stretching the slits in the direction of the sheet's axis to form a multiplicity of rows of openings; (c) cutting a smaller sheet from the sheet produced in step (b); (d) rolling the smaller sheet of step (c) on itself to form a tube; and (e) securing the tube of step (d) with a weld; wherein in step (b), the multiplicity of rows of openings are arranged to reduce nesting when the smaller sheet is rolled on itself to form the tube. 6. The method of claim 5 wherein the pitch between the rows of openings, the sizes of the openings, or both the pitch between the rows of openings and the sizes of the openings are varied to reduce nesting when the smaller sheet is rolled on itself to form the tube. 7. The method of claim 6 wherein the pitch between rows of openings is varied as a function of the circumference defined by a given portion of the rolled up smaller sheet so that radially adjacent openings do not nest. 8. The method of claim 6 wherein in step (b) the sheet is fed at a rate which varies so as to vary the pitch between the rows of openings. 9. The method of claim 5 wherein the smaller sheet includes areas that do not include openings. 10. The method of claim 5 wherein the filter is an automotive airbag filter. 11. A tubular filter comprising expanded metal that has been rolled on itself to form a multi-layered tube wherein the expanded metal comprises a multiplicity of openings and includes at least one section that is free of openings, said section producing circumferential flow of gas within the filter. 12. The tubular filter of claim 11 wherein the filter has an inner diameter and an outer diameter and substantially all possible flow paths from the inner diameter to the outer diameter include both radial and at least some circumferential flow over a distance greater than the average distance between openings. 13. A tubular filter comprising expanded metal that has been rolled on itself to form a multi-layered tube having a substantially cylindrical outer surface wherein the expanded metal comprises a multiplicity of openings and the substantially cylindrical outer surface comprises a circumferential groove. 14. The tubular filter of claim 13 wherein the outer surface comprises two circumferential grooves. 15. The tubular filter of claim 13 wherein the groove has an arcuate cross section. 16. The tubular filter of claim 13 wherein the groove is formed in the expanded metal before the expanded metal is rolled on itself. 17. An assembly comprising:
(a) a housing for an airbag inflator, said housing having a chamber for receiving a tubular filter and a circumferential ring of apertures for allowing gas to exit the chamber; and (b) a tubular filter according to claim 13 within the chamber;
wherein the circumferential groove of the tubular filter is aligned with the circumferential ring of apertures of the housing. 18. An assembly comprising:
(a) a housing for an airbag inflator, said housing having a chamber for receiving a tubular filter and a circumferential ring of apertures for allowing gas to exit the chamber, said circumferential ring of apertures being offset from the midplane of the chamber; and (b) a tubular filter according to claim 14 within the chamber; wherein only one of the circumferential grooves of the tubular filter is aligned with the circumferential ring of apertures of the housing. 19. A tubular filter comprising expanded metal that has been rolled on itself to form a multi-layered tube having a central bore, a substantially cylindrical outer surface, and substantially flat end sections which extend between the central bore and the substantially cylindrical outer surface, wherein the expanded metal comprises a multiplicity of openings and the corners formed by the intersections between the substantially cylindrical outer surface and the substantially flat end sections have been rounded by a point loading process. 20. An assembly comprising:
(a) a housing for an airbag inflator, said housing comprising a chamber which has an inner wall which comprises a substantially cylindrical side wall section and end wall sections, wherein the corners formed by the intersections between the substantially cylindrical side wall section and the end wall sections are rounded; and (b) a tubular filter according to claim 19 within the chamber;
wherein the rounded corners of the tubular filter mate with the rounded corners of the chamber so that maximum length of flame released from the housing when an inflator charge is ignited within the central bore of the filter is reduced by at least 25 percent compared to a filter whose corners have not been rounded. 21. The assembly of claim 20 wherein the maximum length of flame released from the housing when an inflator charge is ignited within the central bore of the filter is reduced by at least 50 percent compared to a filter whose corners have not been rounded. 22. The assembly of claim 20 wherein the mean radius of the rounded corners of the filter is within ±10 percent of the mean radius of the rounded corners of the housing's chamber. 23. A tubular filter comprising expanded metal that has been rolled on itself to form a multi-layered tube wherein the expanded metal comprises a multiplicity of openings and the surface of the expanded metal between at least some of the openings is texturized so as to reduce laminar flow of gas over the surface. 24. The tubular filter of claim 23 wherein the texturization has a linear feature density D in the range of 15 features/inch to 500 features per inch. 25. The tubular filter of claim 24 wherein the feature amplitude is less than or equal to 0.5/D. 26. A tubular filter comprising expanded metal that has been rolled on itself to form a multi-layered tube wherein the expanded metal comprises a multiplicity of openings and the expanded metal comprises a first metal at least one surface of which is coated with a second metal whose thermal conductivity is at least 25% greater than that of the first metal. 27. The tubular filter of claim 26 wherein the first metal is carbon steel and the second metal is tin. 28. The tubular filter of claim 27 wherein the tin is plated on the carbon steel. | Expanded metal sheets are used to produce tubular filters. The expanded metal sheet has a multiplicity of rows of openings arranged to reduce nesting when the sheet is rolled on itself. In particular, the pitch between the rows of openings, the sizes of the openings, or both the pitch between the rows of openings and the sizes of the openings are varied to reduce nesting when the expanded metal sheet is rolled on itself. The filters can include external circumferential grooves, rounded corners produced by a point loading process, textured surfaces between openings, and/or torturous internal paths produced by non-perforated areas of an expanded metal sheet. The expanded metal sheet can be composed of carbon steel coated with a material having a higher heat conductivity, e.g., tin. Among other things, the filters can be used in automobile airbag inflators to capture slag and absorb heat produced by the inflator's explosive charge.1. A tubular filter comprising an expanded metal sheet having a multiplicity of rows of openings arranged to reduce nesting when the sheet is rolled on itself, the sheet rolled into a tube, and welded to fix the tubular orientation, wherein:
(a) the expanded metal sheet is formed from a larger sheet of metal having a width and an axis; (b) the expanded metal sheet has long edges formed by the larger sheet of metal and short edges where it has been cut as a portion of the larger sheet; (c) the openings are formed by forming slits in the larger sheet of metal and stretching the slits in the direction of the axis; and (d) the pitch between the rows of openings, the sizes of the openings, or both the pitch between the rows of openings and the sizes of the openings are varied to reduce nesting when the expanded metal sheet is rolled on itself. 2. The filter of claim 1 wherein the pitch between rows of openings is varied as a function of the circumference defined by a given portion of the expanded metal sheet in the rolled up filter so that radially adjacent openings do not nest. 3. The filter of claim 1 wherein the expanded metal sheet includes areas that do not include openings. 4. The filter of claim 1 wherein the filter is an automotive airbag filter. 5. A method of making a filter comprising:
(a) providing a sheet of metal having a width and an axis; (b) forming slits in the sheet and stretching the slits in the direction of the sheet's axis to form a multiplicity of rows of openings; (c) cutting a smaller sheet from the sheet produced in step (b); (d) rolling the smaller sheet of step (c) on itself to form a tube; and (e) securing the tube of step (d) with a weld; wherein in step (b), the multiplicity of rows of openings are arranged to reduce nesting when the smaller sheet is rolled on itself to form the tube. 6. The method of claim 5 wherein the pitch between the rows of openings, the sizes of the openings, or both the pitch between the rows of openings and the sizes of the openings are varied to reduce nesting when the smaller sheet is rolled on itself to form the tube. 7. The method of claim 6 wherein the pitch between rows of openings is varied as a function of the circumference defined by a given portion of the rolled up smaller sheet so that radially adjacent openings do not nest. 8. The method of claim 6 wherein in step (b) the sheet is fed at a rate which varies so as to vary the pitch between the rows of openings. 9. The method of claim 5 wherein the smaller sheet includes areas that do not include openings. 10. The method of claim 5 wherein the filter is an automotive airbag filter. 11. A tubular filter comprising expanded metal that has been rolled on itself to form a multi-layered tube wherein the expanded metal comprises a multiplicity of openings and includes at least one section that is free of openings, said section producing circumferential flow of gas within the filter. 12. The tubular filter of claim 11 wherein the filter has an inner diameter and an outer diameter and substantially all possible flow paths from the inner diameter to the outer diameter include both radial and at least some circumferential flow over a distance greater than the average distance between openings. 13. A tubular filter comprising expanded metal that has been rolled on itself to form a multi-layered tube having a substantially cylindrical outer surface wherein the expanded metal comprises a multiplicity of openings and the substantially cylindrical outer surface comprises a circumferential groove. 14. The tubular filter of claim 13 wherein the outer surface comprises two circumferential grooves. 15. The tubular filter of claim 13 wherein the groove has an arcuate cross section. 16. The tubular filter of claim 13 wherein the groove is formed in the expanded metal before the expanded metal is rolled on itself. 17. An assembly comprising:
(a) a housing for an airbag inflator, said housing having a chamber for receiving a tubular filter and a circumferential ring of apertures for allowing gas to exit the chamber; and (b) a tubular filter according to claim 13 within the chamber;
wherein the circumferential groove of the tubular filter is aligned with the circumferential ring of apertures of the housing. 18. An assembly comprising:
(a) a housing for an airbag inflator, said housing having a chamber for receiving a tubular filter and a circumferential ring of apertures for allowing gas to exit the chamber, said circumferential ring of apertures being offset from the midplane of the chamber; and (b) a tubular filter according to claim 14 within the chamber; wherein only one of the circumferential grooves of the tubular filter is aligned with the circumferential ring of apertures of the housing. 19. A tubular filter comprising expanded metal that has been rolled on itself to form a multi-layered tube having a central bore, a substantially cylindrical outer surface, and substantially flat end sections which extend between the central bore and the substantially cylindrical outer surface, wherein the expanded metal comprises a multiplicity of openings and the corners formed by the intersections between the substantially cylindrical outer surface and the substantially flat end sections have been rounded by a point loading process. 20. An assembly comprising:
(a) a housing for an airbag inflator, said housing comprising a chamber which has an inner wall which comprises a substantially cylindrical side wall section and end wall sections, wherein the corners formed by the intersections between the substantially cylindrical side wall section and the end wall sections are rounded; and (b) a tubular filter according to claim 19 within the chamber;
wherein the rounded corners of the tubular filter mate with the rounded corners of the chamber so that maximum length of flame released from the housing when an inflator charge is ignited within the central bore of the filter is reduced by at least 25 percent compared to a filter whose corners have not been rounded. 21. The assembly of claim 20 wherein the maximum length of flame released from the housing when an inflator charge is ignited within the central bore of the filter is reduced by at least 50 percent compared to a filter whose corners have not been rounded. 22. The assembly of claim 20 wherein the mean radius of the rounded corners of the filter is within ±10 percent of the mean radius of the rounded corners of the housing's chamber. 23. A tubular filter comprising expanded metal that has been rolled on itself to form a multi-layered tube wherein the expanded metal comprises a multiplicity of openings and the surface of the expanded metal between at least some of the openings is texturized so as to reduce laminar flow of gas over the surface. 24. The tubular filter of claim 23 wherein the texturization has a linear feature density D in the range of 15 features/inch to 500 features per inch. 25. The tubular filter of claim 24 wherein the feature amplitude is less than or equal to 0.5/D. 26. A tubular filter comprising expanded metal that has been rolled on itself to form a multi-layered tube wherein the expanded metal comprises a multiplicity of openings and the expanded metal comprises a first metal at least one surface of which is coated with a second metal whose thermal conductivity is at least 25% greater than that of the first metal. 27. The tubular filter of claim 26 wherein the first metal is carbon steel and the second metal is tin. 28. The tubular filter of claim 27 wherein the tin is plated on the carbon steel. | 3,600 |
12,702 | 12,702 | 13,916,949 | 3,683 | Disclosed herein are systems, methods, and software for facilitating enhanced scheduling. In at least one implementation, a user may consider the availability of any room in a building when scheduling an event. Event entities including an event participant and an event environment having various sub-environments in which to host an event are identified. A participant availability for the event participant is identified based on a participant schedule associated with the event participant and an environment availability for the event environment is identified based on an environment schedule associated with each of the sub-environments. The participant availability for the event participant and the environment availability for the event environment are then presented for consideration by the user. | 1. One or more computer readable storage media having program instructions stored thereon for facilitating event scheduling that, when executed by a computing system, direct the computing system to at least:
identify a plurality of event entities comprising an event participant and an event environment, the event environment comprising a plurality of sub-environments in which to potentially host an event; identify a participant availability for the event participant based on a participant schedule associated with the event participant; identify an environment availability for the event environment based on an environment schedule associated with each of the plurality of sub-environments; and present the participant availability for the event participant and the environment availability for the event environment. 2. The one or more computer readable storage media of claim 1 wherein the event participant comprises a person, wherein the event environment comprises a building and wherein the plurality of sub-environments comprises a plurality of rooms in the building. 3. The one or more computer readable storage media of claim 2 wherein to identify the environment availability for the event environment based on the environment schedule associated with each of the plurality of sub-environments, the program instructions direct the computing system to determine an overall availability for the building based on whether or not any of the plurality of rooms are available, wherein the environment availability comprises the overall availability of the building. 4. The one or more computer readable media of claim 3 wherein the program instructions direct the computing system to present a calendar perspective comprising availability information for each of the plurality of event entities, wherein the availability information for the event environment indicates the overall availability of the building. 5. The one or more computer readable storage media of claim 4 wherein the program instructions further direct the computing system to present a menu comprising a plurality of display options comprising building availability option and a room availability option. 6. The one or more computer readable storage media of claim 5 wherein, responsive to selecting the building availability option in the menu, the program instructions direct the computing system to present the availability information for the building and wherein, responsive to selecting the room availability option, the program instructions direct the computing system to display the availability information for at least one of any of the plurality of rooms that are available. 7. The one or more computer readable media of claim 5 wherein, to present the participant availability for the event participant, the program instructions direct the computing system to represent the participant availability in a first plurality of cells in the calendar perspective associated with the event participant. 8. The one or more computer readable media of claim 6 wherein, to present the environment availability for the event environment, the program instructions direct the computing system to represent the environment availability in a second plurality of cells in the calendar perspective associated with the event environment. 9. The one or more computer readable storage media of claim 1 wherein the plurality of event entities further comprises an additional event participant and wherein the program instructions further direct the computing system to identify additional availability for the additional event participant based on an additional schedule associated with the additional event participant and present the additional availability. 10. A method for facilitating event scheduling comprising:
identifying a plurality of event entities comprising an event participant and an event environment, the event environment comprising a plurality of sub-environments in which to potentially host an event; identifying a participant availability for the event participant based on a participant schedule associated with the event participant; identifying an environment availability for the event environment based on an environment schedule associated with each of the plurality of sub-environments; and presenting the participant availability for the event participant and the environment availability for the event environment. 11. The method of claim 10 wherein the event participant comprises a person, wherein the event environment comprises a building and wherein the plurality of sub-environments comprises a plurality of rooms in the building. 12. The method of claim 11 wherein identifying the environment availability for the event environment based on the environment schedule associated with each of the plurality of sub-environments comprises determining an overall availability for the building based on whether or not any of the plurality of rooms are available, wherein the environment availability comprises the overall availability of the building. 13. The method of claim 12 further comprising presenting a calendar perspective comprising availability information for each of the plurality of event entities that indicates the overall availability of the building. 14. The method of claim 13 further comprising presenting a menu having at least an availability option and a room availability option. 15. The method of claim 14 further comprising, responsive to selecting the building availability option in the menu, presenting the availability information for the building and wherein, responsive to selecting the room availability option, displaying the availability information for at least one of any of the plurality of rooms that are available. 16. The method of claim 14 wherein presenting the participant availability for the event participant comprises representing the participant availability in a first plurality of cells in the calendar perspective associated with the event participant. 17. The method of claim 15 wherein presenting the environment availability for the event environment comprises representing the environment availability in a second plurality of cells in the calendar perspective associated with the event environment. 18. The method of claim 10 wherein the plurality of event entities further comprises an additional event participant and wherein the method further comprises identifying additional availability for the additional event participant based on an additional schedule associated with the additional event participant and presenting the additional availability. 19. A computing apparatus comprising:
one or more computer readable storage media; program instructions stored on the one or more computer readable storage media thereon for facilitating event scheduling that, when executed by a processing system, direct the computing system to at least: initiate an availability request indicative of at least an event time and a plurality of event entities comprising an event participant and a building for an event; responsive to an availability response comprising availability information for the event participant and the building, initiate presentation of a calendar indicative at least whether any room is available in the building for the event. 20. The computing apparatus of claim 19 further comprising the processing system configured to process the program instructions and a display system to present the calendar, wherein the program instructions further direct the processing system to initiate presentation of a menu comprising an availability option for viewing an overall availability of the building and a room availability option for viewing an availability of at least one of any room in the building having availability for the event. | Disclosed herein are systems, methods, and software for facilitating enhanced scheduling. In at least one implementation, a user may consider the availability of any room in a building when scheduling an event. Event entities including an event participant and an event environment having various sub-environments in which to host an event are identified. A participant availability for the event participant is identified based on a participant schedule associated with the event participant and an environment availability for the event environment is identified based on an environment schedule associated with each of the sub-environments. The participant availability for the event participant and the environment availability for the event environment are then presented for consideration by the user.1. One or more computer readable storage media having program instructions stored thereon for facilitating event scheduling that, when executed by a computing system, direct the computing system to at least:
identify a plurality of event entities comprising an event participant and an event environment, the event environment comprising a plurality of sub-environments in which to potentially host an event; identify a participant availability for the event participant based on a participant schedule associated with the event participant; identify an environment availability for the event environment based on an environment schedule associated with each of the plurality of sub-environments; and present the participant availability for the event participant and the environment availability for the event environment. 2. The one or more computer readable storage media of claim 1 wherein the event participant comprises a person, wherein the event environment comprises a building and wherein the plurality of sub-environments comprises a plurality of rooms in the building. 3. The one or more computer readable storage media of claim 2 wherein to identify the environment availability for the event environment based on the environment schedule associated with each of the plurality of sub-environments, the program instructions direct the computing system to determine an overall availability for the building based on whether or not any of the plurality of rooms are available, wherein the environment availability comprises the overall availability of the building. 4. The one or more computer readable media of claim 3 wherein the program instructions direct the computing system to present a calendar perspective comprising availability information for each of the plurality of event entities, wherein the availability information for the event environment indicates the overall availability of the building. 5. The one or more computer readable storage media of claim 4 wherein the program instructions further direct the computing system to present a menu comprising a plurality of display options comprising building availability option and a room availability option. 6. The one or more computer readable storage media of claim 5 wherein, responsive to selecting the building availability option in the menu, the program instructions direct the computing system to present the availability information for the building and wherein, responsive to selecting the room availability option, the program instructions direct the computing system to display the availability information for at least one of any of the plurality of rooms that are available. 7. The one or more computer readable media of claim 5 wherein, to present the participant availability for the event participant, the program instructions direct the computing system to represent the participant availability in a first plurality of cells in the calendar perspective associated with the event participant. 8. The one or more computer readable media of claim 6 wherein, to present the environment availability for the event environment, the program instructions direct the computing system to represent the environment availability in a second plurality of cells in the calendar perspective associated with the event environment. 9. The one or more computer readable storage media of claim 1 wherein the plurality of event entities further comprises an additional event participant and wherein the program instructions further direct the computing system to identify additional availability for the additional event participant based on an additional schedule associated with the additional event participant and present the additional availability. 10. A method for facilitating event scheduling comprising:
identifying a plurality of event entities comprising an event participant and an event environment, the event environment comprising a plurality of sub-environments in which to potentially host an event; identifying a participant availability for the event participant based on a participant schedule associated with the event participant; identifying an environment availability for the event environment based on an environment schedule associated with each of the plurality of sub-environments; and presenting the participant availability for the event participant and the environment availability for the event environment. 11. The method of claim 10 wherein the event participant comprises a person, wherein the event environment comprises a building and wherein the plurality of sub-environments comprises a plurality of rooms in the building. 12. The method of claim 11 wherein identifying the environment availability for the event environment based on the environment schedule associated with each of the plurality of sub-environments comprises determining an overall availability for the building based on whether or not any of the plurality of rooms are available, wherein the environment availability comprises the overall availability of the building. 13. The method of claim 12 further comprising presenting a calendar perspective comprising availability information for each of the plurality of event entities that indicates the overall availability of the building. 14. The method of claim 13 further comprising presenting a menu having at least an availability option and a room availability option. 15. The method of claim 14 further comprising, responsive to selecting the building availability option in the menu, presenting the availability information for the building and wherein, responsive to selecting the room availability option, displaying the availability information for at least one of any of the plurality of rooms that are available. 16. The method of claim 14 wherein presenting the participant availability for the event participant comprises representing the participant availability in a first plurality of cells in the calendar perspective associated with the event participant. 17. The method of claim 15 wherein presenting the environment availability for the event environment comprises representing the environment availability in a second plurality of cells in the calendar perspective associated with the event environment. 18. The method of claim 10 wherein the plurality of event entities further comprises an additional event participant and wherein the method further comprises identifying additional availability for the additional event participant based on an additional schedule associated with the additional event participant and presenting the additional availability. 19. A computing apparatus comprising:
one or more computer readable storage media; program instructions stored on the one or more computer readable storage media thereon for facilitating event scheduling that, when executed by a processing system, direct the computing system to at least: initiate an availability request indicative of at least an event time and a plurality of event entities comprising an event participant and a building for an event; responsive to an availability response comprising availability information for the event participant and the building, initiate presentation of a calendar indicative at least whether any room is available in the building for the event. 20. The computing apparatus of claim 19 further comprising the processing system configured to process the program instructions and a display system to present the calendar, wherein the program instructions further direct the processing system to initiate presentation of a menu comprising an availability option for viewing an overall availability of the building and a room availability option for viewing an availability of at least one of any room in the building having availability for the event. | 3,600 |
12,703 | 12,703 | 13,955,019 | 3,691 | A system and method are provided that include determining eligibility of customers for flexible payment status and allowing the customers to implement the flexible payment status. The determination for eligibility is based on customer identity, payment date, and payment due date. Flex accrual is calculated if the customer is eligible for flexible payment status. The flex accrual is based on the payment amount, payment date, and payment due date. The system communicates the flex accrual to the customer and the customer is able to utilize the flex accrual by making a late payment without penalty. | 1-21. (canceled) 22. A computerized method for enhancing payment flexibility for customers, the method comprising:
storing, in at least one computer storage medium, customer data and instructions; accessing the at least one computer storage medium using at least one computer processor and executing stored instructions with the at least one computer processor to perform steps including;
receiving payment notification upon payment of a credit bill by an identified customer, the payment notification including a payment amount and a payment date for the identified customer;
determining eligibility for flexible payment, the determination based on the customer identity, the payment date, and a payment due date;
calculating a flex accrual upon receipt of the payment from the customer when the customer is eligible for flexible payment status, the flex accrual based on the payment amount, the payment date, and the payment due date, wherein the flex accrual occurs only when the payment date is prior to the payment due date;
communicating the flex accrual to the customer when the customer is eligible for flexible payment status; and
allowing the identified customer to utilize the flex accrual by making a subsequent late payment in response to a subsequent credit bill without penalty when the customer is eligible for flexible payment status. 23. The method of claim 22, wherein a number of days late and dollars paid are determined based on the flex accrual 24. The method of claim 23, wherein calculating the flex accrual comprises calculating flex accrual units with a flex calculator as a product of a number of days early a payment is made and a number of dollars of the early payment. 25. The method of claim 22, wherein determining eligibility for flexible payment status comprises determining whether the payment is received prior to an actual payment due date. 26. The method of claim 25, wherein determining eligibility for flexible payment status further comprises determining whether the payment amount is for the entire account balance and denying eligibility of the payment is less than the entire account balance. 27. The method of claim 22, further comprising providing a user interface for allowing the identified customer to pre-set late payment dates based on the flex accrual units. 28. The method of claim 27, further comprising providing a calculator on the user interface for facilitating determining of permissible late payments. 29. The method of claim 22, further comprising facilitating transfer of the flex units to an alternate credit account. 30. The method of claim 22, further comprising receiving a late payment on a later date than a scheduled due date, determining if flex accrual is available, and utilizing the flex accrual to accept payment on the later date without penalty. 31. The method of claim 22, further comprising automatically deducting scheduled early payments from a checking account of the identified customer for a predetermined number of months to guarantee flex accrual. 32. The method of claim 22, further comprising storing and utilizing different flex accrual formulas for different customers, wherein a selected flex accrual formula for a particular customer corresponds to a customer eligibility level. 33. A flexible payment processing computing system for determining and utilizing a flex accrual allowing customers to make payments on a flexible schedule, the system comprising:
a payment information interface for receiving information upon receipt of a customer credit payment pertaining to a customer payment amount, a customer payment date, and a corresponding due date; a computer storage medium storing instructions and customer identity information; at least one computer processor, the computer processor accessing the stored instructions to perform steps including,
determining eligibility for flex accrual, the determination based on the customer identity, the payment date, and the corresponding due date;
calculating the flex accrual upon receipt of the payment from the customer using a flex accrual calculator when the customer is eligible for flexible payment status, the flex accrual based on the payment amount, the payment date, and the payment due date, wherein the flex accrual occurs only when the payment date is prior to the payment due date;
providing a planning interface for utilizing the accumulated flex accrual allowing the customer to schedule late payments in advance based the accumulated flex accrual; and
facilitating transfer of the late payments without penalty. 34. The system of claim 33, further comprising communicating with the customers eligible for flexible payment status to provide flex accrual information determined by the flex accrual calculator. 35. The system of claim 33, wherein the flex accrual calculator calculates the flex accrual by calculating flex accrual units as a product of a number of days early a payment is made and a number of dollars of the early payment. 36. The system of claim 33, further comprising determining eligibility for flexible payment status by determining whether the payment is received prior to an actual payment due date. 37. The system of claim 36, wherein determining eligibility for flexible payment status further comprises determining whether the payment amount is for the entire account balance and denying eligibility of the payment is less than the entire account balance. 38. The system of claim 37, further comprising a calculator on the user interface for facilitating determining of permissible late payments. 39. The system of claim 33, further comprising a redemption engine facilitating transfer of the flex units to an alternate credit account. 40. The system of claim 39, wherein the redemption engine receives a late payment on a later date than a scheduled due date, determines if flex accrual is available, and utilizes the flex accrual to accept payment on the later date without penalty. 41. The system of claim 33, wherein the planning interfaces provides for automatic deduction of scheduled early payments from a checking account of the customer for a predetermined number of months to guarantee flex accrual. 42. The system of claim 33, further comprising a database storing and utilizing different flex accrual formulas for different customers, wherein a selected flex accrual formula for a particular customer corresponds to a customer eligibility level. 43. A flexible payment processing computing method for determining and utilizing a flex accrual allowing customers to make payments on a flexible schedule, the method comprising:
receiving information through a payment information interface upon receipt of a customer credit payment pertaining to a customer payment amount, a customer payment date, and a corresponding due date; storing instructions and customer identity information in a computer storage medium; using a computer processor to access the stored instructions, received information, and stored information to perform steps including,
determining eligibility for flex accrual, the determination based on the customer identity, the payment date, and the corresponding due date;
calculating the flex accrual upon receipt of the payment from the customer using a flex accrual calculator when the customer is eligible for flexible payment status, the flex accrual based on the payment amount, the payment date, and the payment due date, wherein the flex accrual occurs only when the payment date is prior to the payment due date;
providing a planning interface for utilizing the accumulated flex accrual allowing the customer to schedule late payments in advance based the accumulated flex accrual; and
facilitating transfer of the late payments without penalty. 44. The method of claim 43, further comprising communicating with the customers eligible for flexible payment status to provide flex accrual information determined by the flex accrual calculator. 45. The method of claim 43, wherein the flex accrual calculator calculates the flex accrual by calculating flex accrual units as a product of a number of days early a payment is made and a number of dollars of the early payment. 46. The method of claim 43, further comprising determining eligibility for flexible payment status by determining whether the payment is received prior to an actual payment due date. 47. The method of claim 46, wherein determining eligibility for flexible payment status further comprises determining whether the payment amount is for the entire account balance and denying eligibility of the payment is less than the entire account balance. 48. The method of claim 47, further comprising providing a calculator on the user interface for facilitating determining of permissible late payments. 49. The method of claim 43, further comprising facilitating transfer of the flex units to an alternate credit account. 50. The method of claim 49, further comprising receiving a late payment on a later date than a scheduled due date, determining if flex accrual is available, and utilizing the flex accrual to accept payment on the later date without penalty. 51. The method of claim 43, wherein the planning interface provides for automatic deduction of scheduled early payments from a checking account of the customer for a predetermined number of months to guarantee flex accrual. 52. The method of claim 43, further comprising storing and utilizing different flex accrual formulas for different customers, wherein a selected flex accrual formula for a particular customer corresponds to a customer eligibility level. | A system and method are provided that include determining eligibility of customers for flexible payment status and allowing the customers to implement the flexible payment status. The determination for eligibility is based on customer identity, payment date, and payment due date. Flex accrual is calculated if the customer is eligible for flexible payment status. The flex accrual is based on the payment amount, payment date, and payment due date. The system communicates the flex accrual to the customer and the customer is able to utilize the flex accrual by making a late payment without penalty.1-21. (canceled) 22. A computerized method for enhancing payment flexibility for customers, the method comprising:
storing, in at least one computer storage medium, customer data and instructions; accessing the at least one computer storage medium using at least one computer processor and executing stored instructions with the at least one computer processor to perform steps including;
receiving payment notification upon payment of a credit bill by an identified customer, the payment notification including a payment amount and a payment date for the identified customer;
determining eligibility for flexible payment, the determination based on the customer identity, the payment date, and a payment due date;
calculating a flex accrual upon receipt of the payment from the customer when the customer is eligible for flexible payment status, the flex accrual based on the payment amount, the payment date, and the payment due date, wherein the flex accrual occurs only when the payment date is prior to the payment due date;
communicating the flex accrual to the customer when the customer is eligible for flexible payment status; and
allowing the identified customer to utilize the flex accrual by making a subsequent late payment in response to a subsequent credit bill without penalty when the customer is eligible for flexible payment status. 23. The method of claim 22, wherein a number of days late and dollars paid are determined based on the flex accrual 24. The method of claim 23, wherein calculating the flex accrual comprises calculating flex accrual units with a flex calculator as a product of a number of days early a payment is made and a number of dollars of the early payment. 25. The method of claim 22, wherein determining eligibility for flexible payment status comprises determining whether the payment is received prior to an actual payment due date. 26. The method of claim 25, wherein determining eligibility for flexible payment status further comprises determining whether the payment amount is for the entire account balance and denying eligibility of the payment is less than the entire account balance. 27. The method of claim 22, further comprising providing a user interface for allowing the identified customer to pre-set late payment dates based on the flex accrual units. 28. The method of claim 27, further comprising providing a calculator on the user interface for facilitating determining of permissible late payments. 29. The method of claim 22, further comprising facilitating transfer of the flex units to an alternate credit account. 30. The method of claim 22, further comprising receiving a late payment on a later date than a scheduled due date, determining if flex accrual is available, and utilizing the flex accrual to accept payment on the later date without penalty. 31. The method of claim 22, further comprising automatically deducting scheduled early payments from a checking account of the identified customer for a predetermined number of months to guarantee flex accrual. 32. The method of claim 22, further comprising storing and utilizing different flex accrual formulas for different customers, wherein a selected flex accrual formula for a particular customer corresponds to a customer eligibility level. 33. A flexible payment processing computing system for determining and utilizing a flex accrual allowing customers to make payments on a flexible schedule, the system comprising:
a payment information interface for receiving information upon receipt of a customer credit payment pertaining to a customer payment amount, a customer payment date, and a corresponding due date; a computer storage medium storing instructions and customer identity information; at least one computer processor, the computer processor accessing the stored instructions to perform steps including,
determining eligibility for flex accrual, the determination based on the customer identity, the payment date, and the corresponding due date;
calculating the flex accrual upon receipt of the payment from the customer using a flex accrual calculator when the customer is eligible for flexible payment status, the flex accrual based on the payment amount, the payment date, and the payment due date, wherein the flex accrual occurs only when the payment date is prior to the payment due date;
providing a planning interface for utilizing the accumulated flex accrual allowing the customer to schedule late payments in advance based the accumulated flex accrual; and
facilitating transfer of the late payments without penalty. 34. The system of claim 33, further comprising communicating with the customers eligible for flexible payment status to provide flex accrual information determined by the flex accrual calculator. 35. The system of claim 33, wherein the flex accrual calculator calculates the flex accrual by calculating flex accrual units as a product of a number of days early a payment is made and a number of dollars of the early payment. 36. The system of claim 33, further comprising determining eligibility for flexible payment status by determining whether the payment is received prior to an actual payment due date. 37. The system of claim 36, wherein determining eligibility for flexible payment status further comprises determining whether the payment amount is for the entire account balance and denying eligibility of the payment is less than the entire account balance. 38. The system of claim 37, further comprising a calculator on the user interface for facilitating determining of permissible late payments. 39. The system of claim 33, further comprising a redemption engine facilitating transfer of the flex units to an alternate credit account. 40. The system of claim 39, wherein the redemption engine receives a late payment on a later date than a scheduled due date, determines if flex accrual is available, and utilizes the flex accrual to accept payment on the later date without penalty. 41. The system of claim 33, wherein the planning interfaces provides for automatic deduction of scheduled early payments from a checking account of the customer for a predetermined number of months to guarantee flex accrual. 42. The system of claim 33, further comprising a database storing and utilizing different flex accrual formulas for different customers, wherein a selected flex accrual formula for a particular customer corresponds to a customer eligibility level. 43. A flexible payment processing computing method for determining and utilizing a flex accrual allowing customers to make payments on a flexible schedule, the method comprising:
receiving information through a payment information interface upon receipt of a customer credit payment pertaining to a customer payment amount, a customer payment date, and a corresponding due date; storing instructions and customer identity information in a computer storage medium; using a computer processor to access the stored instructions, received information, and stored information to perform steps including,
determining eligibility for flex accrual, the determination based on the customer identity, the payment date, and the corresponding due date;
calculating the flex accrual upon receipt of the payment from the customer using a flex accrual calculator when the customer is eligible for flexible payment status, the flex accrual based on the payment amount, the payment date, and the payment due date, wherein the flex accrual occurs only when the payment date is prior to the payment due date;
providing a planning interface for utilizing the accumulated flex accrual allowing the customer to schedule late payments in advance based the accumulated flex accrual; and
facilitating transfer of the late payments without penalty. 44. The method of claim 43, further comprising communicating with the customers eligible for flexible payment status to provide flex accrual information determined by the flex accrual calculator. 45. The method of claim 43, wherein the flex accrual calculator calculates the flex accrual by calculating flex accrual units as a product of a number of days early a payment is made and a number of dollars of the early payment. 46. The method of claim 43, further comprising determining eligibility for flexible payment status by determining whether the payment is received prior to an actual payment due date. 47. The method of claim 46, wherein determining eligibility for flexible payment status further comprises determining whether the payment amount is for the entire account balance and denying eligibility of the payment is less than the entire account balance. 48. The method of claim 47, further comprising providing a calculator on the user interface for facilitating determining of permissible late payments. 49. The method of claim 43, further comprising facilitating transfer of the flex units to an alternate credit account. 50. The method of claim 49, further comprising receiving a late payment on a later date than a scheduled due date, determining if flex accrual is available, and utilizing the flex accrual to accept payment on the later date without penalty. 51. The method of claim 43, wherein the planning interface provides for automatic deduction of scheduled early payments from a checking account of the customer for a predetermined number of months to guarantee flex accrual. 52. The method of claim 43, further comprising storing and utilizing different flex accrual formulas for different customers, wherein a selected flex accrual formula for a particular customer corresponds to a customer eligibility level. | 3,600 |
12,704 | 12,704 | 14,607,586 | 3,695 | A method and system for providing a tax return preparation system with an analytics modules includes matching a user to one or more common user profiles. The analytics module generates a plurality of common profiles by applying an alternating least squares algorithm to a large matrix including data from a large number of previously prepared tax returns. The analytics module matches the user to one or more of the common profiles by comparing data received from the user with the common profiles. The analytics module customizes a tax return preparation process of the user based on the one or more profiles to which the user is matched. | 1. A computing system implemented method for providing a tax return preparation system, comprising:
generating, with an analytics module of a computing system, a first matrix having rows corresponding to respective previously prepared tax returns and columns corresponding to respective tax return features; generating, with the analytics module, a second matrix by factoring the first matrix according to an alternating least squares algorithm, the second matrix having rows corresponding to respective profiles and columns corresponding to respective tax return topics; receiving, with a user interface hosted by the computing system, user data associated with a user; matching the user to one or more of the profiles by applying the user data to the analytics module; and customizing, with the analytics module, a tax return preparation interview process based on the one or more profiles to which the user is matched. 2. The method of claim 1 comprising:
after matching the user to one or more of the profiles, receiving, with the user interface hosted by the computing system, further user data associated with the user during the tax return preparation interview process;
refining the matching of the user to one or more of the profiles by applying the further user data to the analytics module; and
further customizing the tax return preparation interview process based on the refined matching of the user to one or more of the profiles. 3. The method of claim 1 wherein matching the user to one or more of the profiles includes arranging the user data in a vector and multiplying the vector by the second matrix. 4. The method of claim 1, further comprising:
receiving, in the computing system, additional previously prepared tax returns; and revising, with the computing system, the first matrix by incorporating the additional previous tax returns into the first matrix. 5. The method of claim 4, further comprising revising the second matrix and the generalized user profiles by factoring the revised first matrix according to the alternating least squares algorithm. 6. The method of claim 1 comprising revising the second matrix to include additional generalized user profiles by factoring the revised first matrix according to the alternating least squares algorithm. 7. The method of claim 1 wherein each data entry in the first matrix includes a single bit of data. 8. The method of claim 7 wherein each data entry in the second matrix includes a single bit of data. 9. The method of claim 1 wherein each data entry in the first matrix includes multiple bits of data. 10. The method of claim 9 wherein each data entry in the second matrix includes multiple bits of data. 11. The method of claim 1, wherein at least part of the user data is selected from the group of user data consisting of:
data indicating the user's date of birth; data indicating the user's address; data indicating the user's zip code; data indicating the user's home ownership status; data indicating the user's marital status; data indicating the user's annual income; data indicating the user's job title; data indicating the user's employer's address; data indicating the user's spousal information; data indicating the user's children's information; data indicating the user's assets; data indicating the user's medical history; and data indicating the user's occupation. 12. The method of claim 1, wherein customizing the tax return preparation interview process includes customizing at least one user experience element selected from the group consisting of:
a sequence with which interview questions are presented to the user during the tax return preparation interview process; content or topics of interview questions that are presented to the user during the tax return preparation interview process; font sizes used while presenting information to the user during the tax return preparation interview process; length of descriptions provided to the user during the tax return preparation interview process; themes presented to the user during the tax return preparation interview process; types of icons displayed to the user during the tax return preparation interview process; types of interface formats presented to the user during the tax return preparation interview process; images displayed to the user during the tax return preparation interview process; assistance resources listed and/or recommended to the user during the tax return preparation interview process; backgrounds presented to the user during the tax return preparation interview process; avatars presented to the user during the tax return preparation interview process; and highlighting mechanisms used and highlighted features presented to the user during the tax return preparation interview process. 13. The method of claim 12, wherein the types of assistance resources listed and/or recommended to the user during the personalized tax return preparation interview process include one or more assistance resources selected from the group of assistance resources consisting of:
a telephone call; electronic text messaging; instant messaging; and a professional tax return specialist that is local to a geographic location of the user. 14. The method of claim 1, wherein providing the user experience elements for the tax return preparation interview process includes synchronously providing the user experience elements by waiting for a completion of one or more computations by the analytics module prior to providing at least part of the user experience elements to the user. 15. The method of claim 1, wherein providing the user experience elements for the personalized tax return preparation interview process includes asynchronously providing the user experience elements concurrently with a processing of one or more computations by the analytics module. 16. The method of claim 1, wherein the one of the one or more analytics modules include an application programming interface through which the analytics module receives and transmits communications. 17. The method of claim 1, wherein the analytics module transmits and receives information using a common store,
wherein the common store receives, stores, and delivers communications for inter-component communications within a computer-readable tax return preparation instruction set. 18. The method of claim 1 wherein the analytics module is one of a plurality of interchangeable analytics modules, each interchangeable analytics module including one or more respective analytics algorithms to select user experience elements for the tax preparation interview process. 19. The method of claim 18, further comprising, after customizing the tax preparation interview process based on the one or more profiles to which the user is matched after:
providing a second analytics module of the interchangeable analytics modules; applying the user data to the second analytics module; and further customizing the tax return preparation interview based on a processing of the user data by the second analytics module. 20. The method of claim 1 wherein customizing the tax preparation interview process includes selecting or recommending a particular tax form based on the one or more profiles to which the user is matched. 21. The method of claim 1 wherein the rows of the first matrix correspond to previous tax returns from the current year. 22. The method of claim 1 wherein the rows of the first matrix correspond to previous tax returns from previous years. 23. A system for providing one or more tax return preparation systems comprising:
a set of one or more user experience elements for a tax return preparation interview process to be presented to a user through the one or more tax return preparation systems; a user interface hosted by a computing system, the user interface receiving user data associated with a user; an analytics module to select user experience elements for the tax return preparation interview process to be presented to a user through the one or more tax return preparation systems; one or more processors; a computer-readable medium having a plurality of computer-executable instructions which, when executed by the one or more processors, perform a method for providing a tax return preparation system with the analytics module, the method comprising:
generating, with the analytics module, a first matrix having rows corresponding to respective previously prepared tax returns and columns corresponding to respective tax return features;
generating, with the analytics module, a second matrix by factoring the first matrix according to an alternating least squares algorithm, the second matrix having rows corresponding to respective profiles and columns corresponding to respective tax return topics;
receiving, with a user interface hosted by the computing system, user data associated with a user;
matching the user to one or more of the profiles by applying the user data to the analytics module; and
customizing, with the analytics module, a tax return preparation interview process based on the one or more profiles to which the user is matched. 24. The system of claim 23, wherein the method further includes:
after matching the user to one or more of the profiles, receiving, with the user interface hosted by the computing system, further user data associated with the user during the tax return preparation interview process; refining the matching of the user to one or more of the profiles by applying the further user data to the analytics module; and further customizing the tax return preparation interview process based on the refined matching of the user to one or more of the profiles. 25. The system of claim 23, wherein matching the user to one or more of the profiles includes arranging the user data in a vector and multiplying the vector by the second matrix. 26. The system of claim 23, wherein the method further includes:
receiving, in the computing system, additional previously prepared tax returns; and revising, with the computing system, the first matrix by incorporating the additional previous tax returns into the first matrix. 27. The system of claim 26, wherein the method further includes revising the second matrix and the generalized user profiles by factoring the revised first matrix according to the alternating least squares algorithm. 28. The system of claim 23, wherein the method further includes: revising the second matrix to include additional generalized user profiles by factoring the revised first matrix according to the alternating least squares algorithm. 29. The system of claim 23 wherein each data entry in the first matrix includes a single bit of data. 30. The system of claim 29 wherein each data entry in the second matrix includes a single bit of data. 31. The system of claim 29 wherein each data entry in the first matrix includes multiple bits of data. 32. The system of claim 31 wherein each data entry in the second matrix includes multiple bits of data. 33. The system of claim 23, wherein at least part of the user data is selected from the group of user data consisting of:
data indicating the user's date of birth; data indicating the user's address; data indicating the user's zip code; data indicating the user's home ownership status; data indicating the user's marital status; data indicating the user's annual income; data indicating the user's job title; data indicating the user's employer's address; data indicating the user's spousal information; data indicating the user's children's information; data indicating the user's assets; data indicating the user's medical history; and data indicating the user's occupation. 34. The system of claim 23, wherein customizing the tax return preparation interview process includes customizing at least one user experience element selected from the group consisting of:
a sequence with which interview questions are presented to the user during the tax return preparation interview process; content or topics of interview questions that are presented to the user during the tax return preparation interview process; font sizes used while presenting information to the user during the tax return preparation interview process; length of descriptions provided to the user during the tax return preparation interview process; themes presented to the user during the tax return preparation interview process; types of icons displayed to the user during the tax return preparation interview process; types of interface formats presented to the user during the tax return preparation interview process; images displayed to the user during the tax return preparation interview process; assistance resources listed and/or recommended to the user during the tax return preparation interview process; backgrounds presented to the user during the tax return preparation interview process; avatars presented to the user during the tax return preparation interview process; and highlighting mechanisms used and highlighted features presented to the user during the tax return preparation interview process. 35. The system of claim 34, wherein the types of assistance resources listed and/or recommended to the user during the personalized tax return preparation interview process include one or more assistance resources selected from the group of assistance resources consisting of:
a telephone call; electronic text messaging; instant messaging; and a professional tax return specialist that is local to a geographic location of the user. 36. The system of claim 23, wherein providing the user experience elements for the tax return preparation interview process includes synchronously providing the user experience elements by waiting for a completion of one or more computations by the analytics module prior to providing at least part of the user experience elements to the user. 37. The system of claim 23, wherein providing the user experience elements for the personalized tax return preparation interview process includes asynchronously providing the user experience elements concurrently with a processing of one or more computations by the analytics module. 38. The system of claim 23, wherein the one of the one or more analytics modules include an application programming interface through which the analytics module receives and transmits communications. 39. The system of claim 23, wherein the analytics module transmits and receives information using a common store,
wherein the common store receives, stores, and delivers communications for inter-component communications within a computer-readable tax return preparation instruction set. 40. The system of claim 23 wherein the analytics module is one of a plurality of interchangeable analytics modules, each interchangeable analytics module including one or more respective analytics algorithms to select user experience elements for the tax preparation interview process. 41. The system of claim 40, wherein the method further includes, after customizing the tax preparation interview process based on the one or more profiles to which the user is matched after:
providing a second analytics module of the interchangeable analytics modules; applying the user data to the second analytics module; and further customizing the tax return preparation interview based on a processing of the user data by the second analytics module. 42. The system of claim 23 wherein customizing the tax preparation interview process includes selecting or recommending a particular tax form based on the one or more profiles to which the user is matched. 43. The system of claim 23 wherein the rows of the first matrix correspond to previously prepare tax returns from the current year. 44. The system of claim 23, wherein the rows of the first matrix correspond to previously prepared tax returns from previous years. 45. A computing system implemented method for providing a tax return preparation system, comprising:
generating, with an analytics module of a computing system, a first matrix having rows corresponding to respective previously prepared tax returns and columns corresponding to respective tax return features; and generating, with the analytics module, a selected number of common tax return preparation system user profiles by applying an alternating least squares algorithm to the first matrix. 46. The method of claim 45, wherein applying the alternating least squares algorithm generates a second matrix having rows corresponding to the profiles and columns corresponding to tax return features. 47. The method of claim 46, comprising:
receiving, with a user interface of the computing system, user data from a current tax return preparation system user; and matching the user to one or more of the profiles by applying the user data to the analytics module. 48. The method of claim 47, comprising:
selecting, with the analytics module, a customized tax return preparation interview process based on the one or more profiles to which the user is matched; and presenting, with the user interface, the customized tax return preparation interview process to the user. | A method and system for providing a tax return preparation system with an analytics modules includes matching a user to one or more common user profiles. The analytics module generates a plurality of common profiles by applying an alternating least squares algorithm to a large matrix including data from a large number of previously prepared tax returns. The analytics module matches the user to one or more of the common profiles by comparing data received from the user with the common profiles. The analytics module customizes a tax return preparation process of the user based on the one or more profiles to which the user is matched.1. A computing system implemented method for providing a tax return preparation system, comprising:
generating, with an analytics module of a computing system, a first matrix having rows corresponding to respective previously prepared tax returns and columns corresponding to respective tax return features; generating, with the analytics module, a second matrix by factoring the first matrix according to an alternating least squares algorithm, the second matrix having rows corresponding to respective profiles and columns corresponding to respective tax return topics; receiving, with a user interface hosted by the computing system, user data associated with a user; matching the user to one or more of the profiles by applying the user data to the analytics module; and customizing, with the analytics module, a tax return preparation interview process based on the one or more profiles to which the user is matched. 2. The method of claim 1 comprising:
after matching the user to one or more of the profiles, receiving, with the user interface hosted by the computing system, further user data associated with the user during the tax return preparation interview process;
refining the matching of the user to one or more of the profiles by applying the further user data to the analytics module; and
further customizing the tax return preparation interview process based on the refined matching of the user to one or more of the profiles. 3. The method of claim 1 wherein matching the user to one or more of the profiles includes arranging the user data in a vector and multiplying the vector by the second matrix. 4. The method of claim 1, further comprising:
receiving, in the computing system, additional previously prepared tax returns; and revising, with the computing system, the first matrix by incorporating the additional previous tax returns into the first matrix. 5. The method of claim 4, further comprising revising the second matrix and the generalized user profiles by factoring the revised first matrix according to the alternating least squares algorithm. 6. The method of claim 1 comprising revising the second matrix to include additional generalized user profiles by factoring the revised first matrix according to the alternating least squares algorithm. 7. The method of claim 1 wherein each data entry in the first matrix includes a single bit of data. 8. The method of claim 7 wherein each data entry in the second matrix includes a single bit of data. 9. The method of claim 1 wherein each data entry in the first matrix includes multiple bits of data. 10. The method of claim 9 wherein each data entry in the second matrix includes multiple bits of data. 11. The method of claim 1, wherein at least part of the user data is selected from the group of user data consisting of:
data indicating the user's date of birth; data indicating the user's address; data indicating the user's zip code; data indicating the user's home ownership status; data indicating the user's marital status; data indicating the user's annual income; data indicating the user's job title; data indicating the user's employer's address; data indicating the user's spousal information; data indicating the user's children's information; data indicating the user's assets; data indicating the user's medical history; and data indicating the user's occupation. 12. The method of claim 1, wherein customizing the tax return preparation interview process includes customizing at least one user experience element selected from the group consisting of:
a sequence with which interview questions are presented to the user during the tax return preparation interview process; content or topics of interview questions that are presented to the user during the tax return preparation interview process; font sizes used while presenting information to the user during the tax return preparation interview process; length of descriptions provided to the user during the tax return preparation interview process; themes presented to the user during the tax return preparation interview process; types of icons displayed to the user during the tax return preparation interview process; types of interface formats presented to the user during the tax return preparation interview process; images displayed to the user during the tax return preparation interview process; assistance resources listed and/or recommended to the user during the tax return preparation interview process; backgrounds presented to the user during the tax return preparation interview process; avatars presented to the user during the tax return preparation interview process; and highlighting mechanisms used and highlighted features presented to the user during the tax return preparation interview process. 13. The method of claim 12, wherein the types of assistance resources listed and/or recommended to the user during the personalized tax return preparation interview process include one or more assistance resources selected from the group of assistance resources consisting of:
a telephone call; electronic text messaging; instant messaging; and a professional tax return specialist that is local to a geographic location of the user. 14. The method of claim 1, wherein providing the user experience elements for the tax return preparation interview process includes synchronously providing the user experience elements by waiting for a completion of one or more computations by the analytics module prior to providing at least part of the user experience elements to the user. 15. The method of claim 1, wherein providing the user experience elements for the personalized tax return preparation interview process includes asynchronously providing the user experience elements concurrently with a processing of one or more computations by the analytics module. 16. The method of claim 1, wherein the one of the one or more analytics modules include an application programming interface through which the analytics module receives and transmits communications. 17. The method of claim 1, wherein the analytics module transmits and receives information using a common store,
wherein the common store receives, stores, and delivers communications for inter-component communications within a computer-readable tax return preparation instruction set. 18. The method of claim 1 wherein the analytics module is one of a plurality of interchangeable analytics modules, each interchangeable analytics module including one or more respective analytics algorithms to select user experience elements for the tax preparation interview process. 19. The method of claim 18, further comprising, after customizing the tax preparation interview process based on the one or more profiles to which the user is matched after:
providing a second analytics module of the interchangeable analytics modules; applying the user data to the second analytics module; and further customizing the tax return preparation interview based on a processing of the user data by the second analytics module. 20. The method of claim 1 wherein customizing the tax preparation interview process includes selecting or recommending a particular tax form based on the one or more profiles to which the user is matched. 21. The method of claim 1 wherein the rows of the first matrix correspond to previous tax returns from the current year. 22. The method of claim 1 wherein the rows of the first matrix correspond to previous tax returns from previous years. 23. A system for providing one or more tax return preparation systems comprising:
a set of one or more user experience elements for a tax return preparation interview process to be presented to a user through the one or more tax return preparation systems; a user interface hosted by a computing system, the user interface receiving user data associated with a user; an analytics module to select user experience elements for the tax return preparation interview process to be presented to a user through the one or more tax return preparation systems; one or more processors; a computer-readable medium having a plurality of computer-executable instructions which, when executed by the one or more processors, perform a method for providing a tax return preparation system with the analytics module, the method comprising:
generating, with the analytics module, a first matrix having rows corresponding to respective previously prepared tax returns and columns corresponding to respective tax return features;
generating, with the analytics module, a second matrix by factoring the first matrix according to an alternating least squares algorithm, the second matrix having rows corresponding to respective profiles and columns corresponding to respective tax return topics;
receiving, with a user interface hosted by the computing system, user data associated with a user;
matching the user to one or more of the profiles by applying the user data to the analytics module; and
customizing, with the analytics module, a tax return preparation interview process based on the one or more profiles to which the user is matched. 24. The system of claim 23, wherein the method further includes:
after matching the user to one or more of the profiles, receiving, with the user interface hosted by the computing system, further user data associated with the user during the tax return preparation interview process; refining the matching of the user to one or more of the profiles by applying the further user data to the analytics module; and further customizing the tax return preparation interview process based on the refined matching of the user to one or more of the profiles. 25. The system of claim 23, wherein matching the user to one or more of the profiles includes arranging the user data in a vector and multiplying the vector by the second matrix. 26. The system of claim 23, wherein the method further includes:
receiving, in the computing system, additional previously prepared tax returns; and revising, with the computing system, the first matrix by incorporating the additional previous tax returns into the first matrix. 27. The system of claim 26, wherein the method further includes revising the second matrix and the generalized user profiles by factoring the revised first matrix according to the alternating least squares algorithm. 28. The system of claim 23, wherein the method further includes: revising the second matrix to include additional generalized user profiles by factoring the revised first matrix according to the alternating least squares algorithm. 29. The system of claim 23 wherein each data entry in the first matrix includes a single bit of data. 30. The system of claim 29 wherein each data entry in the second matrix includes a single bit of data. 31. The system of claim 29 wherein each data entry in the first matrix includes multiple bits of data. 32. The system of claim 31 wherein each data entry in the second matrix includes multiple bits of data. 33. The system of claim 23, wherein at least part of the user data is selected from the group of user data consisting of:
data indicating the user's date of birth; data indicating the user's address; data indicating the user's zip code; data indicating the user's home ownership status; data indicating the user's marital status; data indicating the user's annual income; data indicating the user's job title; data indicating the user's employer's address; data indicating the user's spousal information; data indicating the user's children's information; data indicating the user's assets; data indicating the user's medical history; and data indicating the user's occupation. 34. The system of claim 23, wherein customizing the tax return preparation interview process includes customizing at least one user experience element selected from the group consisting of:
a sequence with which interview questions are presented to the user during the tax return preparation interview process; content or topics of interview questions that are presented to the user during the tax return preparation interview process; font sizes used while presenting information to the user during the tax return preparation interview process; length of descriptions provided to the user during the tax return preparation interview process; themes presented to the user during the tax return preparation interview process; types of icons displayed to the user during the tax return preparation interview process; types of interface formats presented to the user during the tax return preparation interview process; images displayed to the user during the tax return preparation interview process; assistance resources listed and/or recommended to the user during the tax return preparation interview process; backgrounds presented to the user during the tax return preparation interview process; avatars presented to the user during the tax return preparation interview process; and highlighting mechanisms used and highlighted features presented to the user during the tax return preparation interview process. 35. The system of claim 34, wherein the types of assistance resources listed and/or recommended to the user during the personalized tax return preparation interview process include one or more assistance resources selected from the group of assistance resources consisting of:
a telephone call; electronic text messaging; instant messaging; and a professional tax return specialist that is local to a geographic location of the user. 36. The system of claim 23, wherein providing the user experience elements for the tax return preparation interview process includes synchronously providing the user experience elements by waiting for a completion of one or more computations by the analytics module prior to providing at least part of the user experience elements to the user. 37. The system of claim 23, wherein providing the user experience elements for the personalized tax return preparation interview process includes asynchronously providing the user experience elements concurrently with a processing of one or more computations by the analytics module. 38. The system of claim 23, wherein the one of the one or more analytics modules include an application programming interface through which the analytics module receives and transmits communications. 39. The system of claim 23, wherein the analytics module transmits and receives information using a common store,
wherein the common store receives, stores, and delivers communications for inter-component communications within a computer-readable tax return preparation instruction set. 40. The system of claim 23 wherein the analytics module is one of a plurality of interchangeable analytics modules, each interchangeable analytics module including one or more respective analytics algorithms to select user experience elements for the tax preparation interview process. 41. The system of claim 40, wherein the method further includes, after customizing the tax preparation interview process based on the one or more profiles to which the user is matched after:
providing a second analytics module of the interchangeable analytics modules; applying the user data to the second analytics module; and further customizing the tax return preparation interview based on a processing of the user data by the second analytics module. 42. The system of claim 23 wherein customizing the tax preparation interview process includes selecting or recommending a particular tax form based on the one or more profiles to which the user is matched. 43. The system of claim 23 wherein the rows of the first matrix correspond to previously prepare tax returns from the current year. 44. The system of claim 23, wherein the rows of the first matrix correspond to previously prepared tax returns from previous years. 45. A computing system implemented method for providing a tax return preparation system, comprising:
generating, with an analytics module of a computing system, a first matrix having rows corresponding to respective previously prepared tax returns and columns corresponding to respective tax return features; and generating, with the analytics module, a selected number of common tax return preparation system user profiles by applying an alternating least squares algorithm to the first matrix. 46. The method of claim 45, wherein applying the alternating least squares algorithm generates a second matrix having rows corresponding to the profiles and columns corresponding to tax return features. 47. The method of claim 46, comprising:
receiving, with a user interface of the computing system, user data from a current tax return preparation system user; and matching the user to one or more of the profiles by applying the user data to the analytics module. 48. The method of claim 47, comprising:
selecting, with the analytics module, a customized tax return preparation interview process based on the one or more profiles to which the user is matched; and presenting, with the user interface, the customized tax return preparation interview process to the user. | 3,600 |
12,705 | 12,705 | 13,898,657 | 3,692 | A system for managing electronic trading, comprises an interface application including a mapping module that defines a plurality of controller signal relationships. Each controller signal relationship associates one or more of a plurality of game controller signals with one of a plurality of trading system commands associated with the electronic trading of financial instruments. The interface application receives a plurality of game controller signals generated by a game controller, and determines, based on the controller signal relationships, that one or more of the plurality of received game controller signals are erroneous. The interface application causes the communication of a command to lock the game controller based on the determination of the one or more erroneous game controller signals. | 1-24. (canceled) 25. A method comprising:
storing, by at least one processor, a plurality of controller signal relationships comprising a plurality of first controller signal relationships, each controller signal relationship associating one or more game controller signals with one of a plurality of trading system commands associated with electronic trading of financial instruments via a trading platform; receiving, by the at least one processor, a plurality of first game controller signals generated via a first game controller; determining, by the at least one processor, based on the first controller signal relationships and the received plurality of first game controller signals, that one or more of the plurality of received first game controller signals are erroneous; and based on the determination that one or more of the plurality of received game controller signals are erroneous, communicating, by the at least one processor, an instruction to lock the first game controller. 26. The method of claim 25, wherein determining that one or more of the plurality of received first game controller signals are erroneous comprises determining, based on the first controller signal relationships, that one or more of the plurality of received first game controller signals do not correspond with any of the plurality of trading system commands. 27. The method of claim 25, wherein determining that one or more of the plurality of received first game controller signals are erroneous comprises:
determining first trading system commands associated with one or more of the received plurality of first game controller signals based on the plurality of controller signal relationships; and determining that one or more of the first trading system commands are invalid commands in a state of trading activity in which the one or more of the plurality of first game controller signals are received. 28. The method of claim 25, wherein communicating an instruction to lock the first game controller comprises:
determining that the number of received erroneous first game controller signals meets or exceeds a predetermined threshold; based on the act of determining that the number of received erroneous first game controller signals meets or exceeds a predetermined threshold, preventing execution of any trading system command originating from the first game controller. 29. The method of claim 25, wherein communicating an instruction to lock the first game controller comprises:
determining that the number of consecutively-received erroneous first game controller signals meets or exceeds a predetermined threshold; based on the act of determining that the number of consecutively-received erroneous first game controller signals meets or exceeds a predetermined threshold, preventing execution of any trading system command originating from the first game controller. 30. The method of claim 25, wherein communicating an instruction to lock the first game controller comprises:
determining that the number of erroneous first game controller signals received within a predetermined time period meets or exceeds a predetermined threshold; based on the act of determining that the number of erroneous first game controller signals received within a predetermined time period meets or exceeds a predetermined threshold, preventing execution of any trading system command originating from the first game controller. 31. The method of claim 25, further comprising:
receiving second game controller signals generated by a second game controller; determining trading system commands associated with the received second game controller signals; and communicating the determined trading system commands toward a trading platform such that the trading system commands may be executed by the trading platform to perform electronic trading of financial instruments via a trading platform. 32. The method of claim 31, comprising:
receiving one or more third game controller signals generated by the second game controller; determining that the one or more received third game controller signals match a stored security code; and based on a determination that the one or more received third game controller signals match the stored security code, communicating a command to lock the second game controller. 33. The method of claim 32, comprising:
receiving one or more security game controller signals generated by the second game controller, the one or more security game controller signals comprising second game controller signals associated with a configurable security code for locking the second game controller; determining a configurable security code based on the received one or more security game controller signals; and storing the determined configurable security code. 34. The method of claim 31, further comprising:
receiving from the second game controller user fingerprint data associated with a user of the second game controller; determining whether to provide the user access to the trading platform based at least on the received user fingerprint data. 35. The method of claim 34, further comprising:
receiving baseline fingerprint data associated with the user; and wherein determining whether to provide the user access to the trading platform based at least on the received user fingerprint data comprises comparing the received user fingerprint data with the received baseline fingerprint data. 36. The method of claim 31, wherein receiving second game controller signals generated by the second game controller comprises:
receiving game controller signals associated with a buy command generated by depressing a first button located on a first front region of the second game controller; and receiving game controller signals associated with a sell command generated by depressing a second button located on a second front region of the second game controller. 37. The method of claim 36, wherein the first front region and second front region of the second game controller are located on a front surface of the second game controller. 38. The method of claim 29, in which the plurality of game controller signals are game controller signals of a game controller comprising a first joystick, a second joystick, and a d-pad. 39. The method of claim 38, in which:
the plurality of first game controller signals comprises a plurality of directional inputs of the first joystick, each of the plurality of directional inputs being generated by causing a stick portion of the joystick to move from a central position radially outward from the central position in one of a plurality of directions spanning 360 degrees around the central position, the one or more erroneous game controller signals comprise at least one of the plurality of directional inputs, and the plurality of controller signal relationships comprises a plurality of first controller signal relationships associating (1) controller signals comprising at least one directional signal from the first joystick with one of the plurality of trading system commands and (2) controller signals comprising at least one directional signal from the second joystick with another one of the plurality of trading system commands. 40. An apparatus, comprising:
at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions which, when executed by the at least one processor, direct the at least one processor to perform a method comprising:
storing, by at least one processor, a plurality of controller signal relationships comprising a plurality of first controller signal relationships, each controller signal relationship associating one or more game controller signals with one of a plurality of trading system commands associated with electronic trading of financial instruments via a trading platform;
receiving, by the at least one processor, a plurality of first game controller signals generated by a first game controller;
determining, by the at least one processor, based on the first controller signal relationships and the received plurality of first game controller signals, that one or more of the plurality of received first game controller signals are erroneous; and
based on the determination that one or more of the plurality of received game controller signals are erroneous, communicating an instruction to lock the first game controller. 41. The apparatus of claim 40, in which:
the one or more of a plurality of game controller signals are game controller signals of a game controller comprising a first joystick, a second joystick, and a d-pad; each joystick is configured for movement away from a center position in a plurality of directions spanning 360 degrees, the plurality of first game controller signals comprises a plurality of directional inputs of the first joystick, the one or more erroneous game controller signals comprise at least one of the plurality of directional inputs, and the plurality of controller signal relationships comprises a plurality of first controller signal relationships associating (1) controller signals comprising at least one directional signal from the first joystick with one of the plurality of trading system commands and (2) controller signals comprising at least one directional signal from the second joystick with another one of the plurality of trading system commands. 42. The apparatus of claim 40,
in which the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, further direct the at least one processor to store:
a first set of controller signal relationships, the first set associated with a first user and with a first type of game controller;
a second set of controller signal relationships, the second set associated with the first user and with a second type of game controller; and
a third set of controller signal relationships, the third set associated with a second user and with the first type of game controller;
the system further comprising an interface processor communicatively coupled to the memory, wherein:
at least one controller signal relationship associates one of a plurality of game controller signals with one of a plurality of trading system commands associated with the electronic trading of financial instruments; and
the interface processor is operable to:
identify a specific user associated with a specific game controller;
identify a specific controller type associated with the specific game controller;
determine at least one of the stored sets of controller signal relationships based at least in part on the identified user and the identified controller type;
receive a specific game controller signal from the specific game controller;
determine the trading system command associated with the specific game controller signal based at least in part on the at least one determined set of controller signal relationships; and
communicate the determined trading system command such that the trading system command is executed. 43. A non-transitory machine-readable medium having instructions stored thereon which, when executed by at least one processor, direct the at least one processor to perform a method comprising:
storing, by at least one processor, a plurality of controller signal relationships comprising a plurality of first controller signal relationships, each controller signal relationship associating one or more game controller signals with one of a plurality of trading system commands associated with electronic trading of financial instruments via a trading platform; receiving, by the at least one processor, a plurality of first game controller signals generated by a first game controller; determining, by the at least one processor, based on the first controller signal relationships and the received plurality of first game controller signals, that one or more of the plurality of received first game controller signals are erroneous; and based on the determination that one or more of the plurality of received game controller signals are erroneous, communicating, by the at least one processor, a command to lock the first game controller. | A system for managing electronic trading, comprises an interface application including a mapping module that defines a plurality of controller signal relationships. Each controller signal relationship associates one or more of a plurality of game controller signals with one of a plurality of trading system commands associated with the electronic trading of financial instruments. The interface application receives a plurality of game controller signals generated by a game controller, and determines, based on the controller signal relationships, that one or more of the plurality of received game controller signals are erroneous. The interface application causes the communication of a command to lock the game controller based on the determination of the one or more erroneous game controller signals.1-24. (canceled) 25. A method comprising:
storing, by at least one processor, a plurality of controller signal relationships comprising a plurality of first controller signal relationships, each controller signal relationship associating one or more game controller signals with one of a plurality of trading system commands associated with electronic trading of financial instruments via a trading platform; receiving, by the at least one processor, a plurality of first game controller signals generated via a first game controller; determining, by the at least one processor, based on the first controller signal relationships and the received plurality of first game controller signals, that one or more of the plurality of received first game controller signals are erroneous; and based on the determination that one or more of the plurality of received game controller signals are erroneous, communicating, by the at least one processor, an instruction to lock the first game controller. 26. The method of claim 25, wherein determining that one or more of the plurality of received first game controller signals are erroneous comprises determining, based on the first controller signal relationships, that one or more of the plurality of received first game controller signals do not correspond with any of the plurality of trading system commands. 27. The method of claim 25, wherein determining that one or more of the plurality of received first game controller signals are erroneous comprises:
determining first trading system commands associated with one or more of the received plurality of first game controller signals based on the plurality of controller signal relationships; and determining that one or more of the first trading system commands are invalid commands in a state of trading activity in which the one or more of the plurality of first game controller signals are received. 28. The method of claim 25, wherein communicating an instruction to lock the first game controller comprises:
determining that the number of received erroneous first game controller signals meets or exceeds a predetermined threshold; based on the act of determining that the number of received erroneous first game controller signals meets or exceeds a predetermined threshold, preventing execution of any trading system command originating from the first game controller. 29. The method of claim 25, wherein communicating an instruction to lock the first game controller comprises:
determining that the number of consecutively-received erroneous first game controller signals meets or exceeds a predetermined threshold; based on the act of determining that the number of consecutively-received erroneous first game controller signals meets or exceeds a predetermined threshold, preventing execution of any trading system command originating from the first game controller. 30. The method of claim 25, wherein communicating an instruction to lock the first game controller comprises:
determining that the number of erroneous first game controller signals received within a predetermined time period meets or exceeds a predetermined threshold; based on the act of determining that the number of erroneous first game controller signals received within a predetermined time period meets or exceeds a predetermined threshold, preventing execution of any trading system command originating from the first game controller. 31. The method of claim 25, further comprising:
receiving second game controller signals generated by a second game controller; determining trading system commands associated with the received second game controller signals; and communicating the determined trading system commands toward a trading platform such that the trading system commands may be executed by the trading platform to perform electronic trading of financial instruments via a trading platform. 32. The method of claim 31, comprising:
receiving one or more third game controller signals generated by the second game controller; determining that the one or more received third game controller signals match a stored security code; and based on a determination that the one or more received third game controller signals match the stored security code, communicating a command to lock the second game controller. 33. The method of claim 32, comprising:
receiving one or more security game controller signals generated by the second game controller, the one or more security game controller signals comprising second game controller signals associated with a configurable security code for locking the second game controller; determining a configurable security code based on the received one or more security game controller signals; and storing the determined configurable security code. 34. The method of claim 31, further comprising:
receiving from the second game controller user fingerprint data associated with a user of the second game controller; determining whether to provide the user access to the trading platform based at least on the received user fingerprint data. 35. The method of claim 34, further comprising:
receiving baseline fingerprint data associated with the user; and wherein determining whether to provide the user access to the trading platform based at least on the received user fingerprint data comprises comparing the received user fingerprint data with the received baseline fingerprint data. 36. The method of claim 31, wherein receiving second game controller signals generated by the second game controller comprises:
receiving game controller signals associated with a buy command generated by depressing a first button located on a first front region of the second game controller; and receiving game controller signals associated with a sell command generated by depressing a second button located on a second front region of the second game controller. 37. The method of claim 36, wherein the first front region and second front region of the second game controller are located on a front surface of the second game controller. 38. The method of claim 29, in which the plurality of game controller signals are game controller signals of a game controller comprising a first joystick, a second joystick, and a d-pad. 39. The method of claim 38, in which:
the plurality of first game controller signals comprises a plurality of directional inputs of the first joystick, each of the plurality of directional inputs being generated by causing a stick portion of the joystick to move from a central position radially outward from the central position in one of a plurality of directions spanning 360 degrees around the central position, the one or more erroneous game controller signals comprise at least one of the plurality of directional inputs, and the plurality of controller signal relationships comprises a plurality of first controller signal relationships associating (1) controller signals comprising at least one directional signal from the first joystick with one of the plurality of trading system commands and (2) controller signals comprising at least one directional signal from the second joystick with another one of the plurality of trading system commands. 40. An apparatus, comprising:
at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions which, when executed by the at least one processor, direct the at least one processor to perform a method comprising:
storing, by at least one processor, a plurality of controller signal relationships comprising a plurality of first controller signal relationships, each controller signal relationship associating one or more game controller signals with one of a plurality of trading system commands associated with electronic trading of financial instruments via a trading platform;
receiving, by the at least one processor, a plurality of first game controller signals generated by a first game controller;
determining, by the at least one processor, based on the first controller signal relationships and the received plurality of first game controller signals, that one or more of the plurality of received first game controller signals are erroneous; and
based on the determination that one or more of the plurality of received game controller signals are erroneous, communicating an instruction to lock the first game controller. 41. The apparatus of claim 40, in which:
the one or more of a plurality of game controller signals are game controller signals of a game controller comprising a first joystick, a second joystick, and a d-pad; each joystick is configured for movement away from a center position in a plurality of directions spanning 360 degrees, the plurality of first game controller signals comprises a plurality of directional inputs of the first joystick, the one or more erroneous game controller signals comprise at least one of the plurality of directional inputs, and the plurality of controller signal relationships comprises a plurality of first controller signal relationships associating (1) controller signals comprising at least one directional signal from the first joystick with one of the plurality of trading system commands and (2) controller signals comprising at least one directional signal from the second joystick with another one of the plurality of trading system commands. 42. The apparatus of claim 40,
in which the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, further direct the at least one processor to store:
a first set of controller signal relationships, the first set associated with a first user and with a first type of game controller;
a second set of controller signal relationships, the second set associated with the first user and with a second type of game controller; and
a third set of controller signal relationships, the third set associated with a second user and with the first type of game controller;
the system further comprising an interface processor communicatively coupled to the memory, wherein:
at least one controller signal relationship associates one of a plurality of game controller signals with one of a plurality of trading system commands associated with the electronic trading of financial instruments; and
the interface processor is operable to:
identify a specific user associated with a specific game controller;
identify a specific controller type associated with the specific game controller;
determine at least one of the stored sets of controller signal relationships based at least in part on the identified user and the identified controller type;
receive a specific game controller signal from the specific game controller;
determine the trading system command associated with the specific game controller signal based at least in part on the at least one determined set of controller signal relationships; and
communicate the determined trading system command such that the trading system command is executed. 43. A non-transitory machine-readable medium having instructions stored thereon which, when executed by at least one processor, direct the at least one processor to perform a method comprising:
storing, by at least one processor, a plurality of controller signal relationships comprising a plurality of first controller signal relationships, each controller signal relationship associating one or more game controller signals with one of a plurality of trading system commands associated with electronic trading of financial instruments via a trading platform; receiving, by the at least one processor, a plurality of first game controller signals generated by a first game controller; determining, by the at least one processor, based on the first controller signal relationships and the received plurality of first game controller signals, that one or more of the plurality of received first game controller signals are erroneous; and based on the determination that one or more of the plurality of received game controller signals are erroneous, communicating, by the at least one processor, a command to lock the first game controller. | 3,600 |
12,706 | 12,706 | 13,075,399 | 3,626 | Implementations of the present disclosure provide a method for managing the care of a patient that includes receiving patient data including a patient condition at a computing device, where a portion of the patient data is transmitted to the computing device from a clinical information system over a network, determining a patient risk level based on the patient data, and generating a patient care plan based on the patient data that includes tasks based on the patient risk level. The method further includes receiving user input at the computing device, assigning members to a care team responsible for execution of tasks based on the user input, generating a required action corresponding to each task, transmitting the action to a computing device associated with a member responsible for execution of an action related task, and monitoring execution of the tasks based on task data received at the computing device. | 1. A method for managing the care of a patient, comprising:
receiving patient data at a computing device, the patient data comprising data regarding a condition of the patient and at least a portion of the patient data being transmitted to the computing device from a clinical information system over a network; determining a patient risk level based on the patient data; generating a patient care plan based on the patient data, the patient care plan comprising one or more tasks, the one or more tasks based on the patient risk level; receiving user input at the computing device; assigning a care team comprising one or more members based on the user input, each member responsible for execution of at least one of the one or more tasks; generating at least one required action corresponding to each of the one or more tasks; transmitting the at least one required action to a remote computing device associated with a member that is responsible for execution of a task related to the at least one required action; and monitoring execution of the one or more tasks based on task data received at the computing device. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein monitoring comprises:
tracking completion of the one or more tasks based on the task data, the task data comprising one or more indictors related to performance of the one or more tasks; and generating a report, the report comprising resultant data related to the care of the patient. 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the patient data further comprises patient demographic data. 4. The method of claim 3, further comprising receiving the demographic data from one of an admissions, discharges, and transfers (ADT) Health Level 7 (HL7) interface, a medications interface and a discharge summary interface. 5. The method of claim 1, wherein the patient data further comprises patient cognitive ability. 6. The method of claim 1, further comprising determining a patient self care ability based on the patient data, wherein the patient care plan is determined based at least in part on the patient self care ability. 7. The method of claim 1, wherein monitoring comprises receiving the task data as at least one of an electronic mail message, and a Short Message Service (SMS) message transmitted from the remote computing device. 8. The method of claim 1, further comprising:
generating a reminder at the computing device based on a due date of at least one of the one or more tasks; and transmitting the reminder to the remote computing device over the network. 9. The method of claim 1, further comprising:
generating an alert indicating that one or more of the tasks was not performed within a predetermined time; and displaying the alert at the computing device. 10. The method of claim 1, wherein the care team comprises one or more medical doctors, nurses, home healthcare nurses, community providers, community members or family members. 11. The method of claim 1, wherein the care plan comprises medication schedules, condition monitoring, physician appointments or patient education. 12. The method of claim 1, wherein the patient data further comprises data manually entered into the computing device. 13. The method of claim 1, wherein the patient is an inpatient in a hospital. 14. The method of claim 1, wherein the patient care plan comprises a post-discharge care plan. 15. The method of claim 1, further comprising assigning a case manager responsible for execution of the patient care plan based on user input received at the computing device. 16. The method of claim 15, wherein the case manager is affiliated with a hospital responsible for care of the patient. 17. The method of claim 1, further comprising generating resultant data including hospital readmission data. 18. The method of claim 1, wherein generating the patient care plan comprises selecting the patient care plan from a plurality of patient care plans stored in a computer-readable storage medium based on the patient data. 19. The method of claim 18, wherein selecting the patient care plan comprises selecting a care plan template based on one or more medical conditions. 20. The method of claim 1, wherein generating the patient care plan comprises modifying the patient care plan based on user input received at the computing device. 21. The method of claim 1, further comprising selecting one or more of the members based on member data stored in a computer-readable storage medium. 22. A computer-readable storage device encoded with a computer program comprising instructions that, when executed, operate to cause one or more processors to perform operations comprising:
receiving patient data at a computing device, the patient data comprising data regarding a condition of the patient and at least a portion of the patient data being transmitted to the computing device from a clinical information system over a network; determining a patient risk level based on the patient data; generating a patient care plan based on the patient data, the patient care plan comprising one or more tasks, the one or more tasks based on the patient risk level; receiving user input at the computing device; assigning a care team comprising one or more members based on the user input, each member responsible for execution of at least one of the one or more tasks; generating at least one required action corresponding to each of the one or more tasks; transmitting the at least one required action to a remote computing device associated with a member that is responsible for execution of a task related to the at least one required action; and monitoring execution of the one or more tasks based on task data received at the computing device. 23. A system comprising:
a computing device comprising one or more processors; and a computer-readable storage device coupled to the one or more processors and having instructions stored thereon which, when executed by the one or more processors, causes the one or more processors to perform operations comprising:
receiving patient data, the patient data comprising data regarding a condition of the patient and at least a portion of the patient data being transmitted to the computing device from a clinical information system over a network;
determining a patient risk level based on the patient data;
generating a patient care plan based on the patient data, the patient care plan comprising one or more tasks, the one or more tasks based on the patient risk level;
receiving user input;
assigning a care team comprising one or more members based on the user input, each member responsible for execution of at least one of the one or more tasks;
generating at least one required action corresponding to each of the one or more tasks;
transmitting the at least one required action to a remote computing device associated with a member that is responsible for execution of a task related to the at least one required action; and
monitoring execution of the one or more tasks based on task data received at the computing device. | Implementations of the present disclosure provide a method for managing the care of a patient that includes receiving patient data including a patient condition at a computing device, where a portion of the patient data is transmitted to the computing device from a clinical information system over a network, determining a patient risk level based on the patient data, and generating a patient care plan based on the patient data that includes tasks based on the patient risk level. The method further includes receiving user input at the computing device, assigning members to a care team responsible for execution of tasks based on the user input, generating a required action corresponding to each task, transmitting the action to a computing device associated with a member responsible for execution of an action related task, and monitoring execution of the tasks based on task data received at the computing device.1. A method for managing the care of a patient, comprising:
receiving patient data at a computing device, the patient data comprising data regarding a condition of the patient and at least a portion of the patient data being transmitted to the computing device from a clinical information system over a network; determining a patient risk level based on the patient data; generating a patient care plan based on the patient data, the patient care plan comprising one or more tasks, the one or more tasks based on the patient risk level; receiving user input at the computing device; assigning a care team comprising one or more members based on the user input, each member responsible for execution of at least one of the one or more tasks; generating at least one required action corresponding to each of the one or more tasks; transmitting the at least one required action to a remote computing device associated with a member that is responsible for execution of a task related to the at least one required action; and monitoring execution of the one or more tasks based on task data received at the computing device. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein monitoring comprises:
tracking completion of the one or more tasks based on the task data, the task data comprising one or more indictors related to performance of the one or more tasks; and generating a report, the report comprising resultant data related to the care of the patient. 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the patient data further comprises patient demographic data. 4. The method of claim 3, further comprising receiving the demographic data from one of an admissions, discharges, and transfers (ADT) Health Level 7 (HL7) interface, a medications interface and a discharge summary interface. 5. The method of claim 1, wherein the patient data further comprises patient cognitive ability. 6. The method of claim 1, further comprising determining a patient self care ability based on the patient data, wherein the patient care plan is determined based at least in part on the patient self care ability. 7. The method of claim 1, wherein monitoring comprises receiving the task data as at least one of an electronic mail message, and a Short Message Service (SMS) message transmitted from the remote computing device. 8. The method of claim 1, further comprising:
generating a reminder at the computing device based on a due date of at least one of the one or more tasks; and transmitting the reminder to the remote computing device over the network. 9. The method of claim 1, further comprising:
generating an alert indicating that one or more of the tasks was not performed within a predetermined time; and displaying the alert at the computing device. 10. The method of claim 1, wherein the care team comprises one or more medical doctors, nurses, home healthcare nurses, community providers, community members or family members. 11. The method of claim 1, wherein the care plan comprises medication schedules, condition monitoring, physician appointments or patient education. 12. The method of claim 1, wherein the patient data further comprises data manually entered into the computing device. 13. The method of claim 1, wherein the patient is an inpatient in a hospital. 14. The method of claim 1, wherein the patient care plan comprises a post-discharge care plan. 15. The method of claim 1, further comprising assigning a case manager responsible for execution of the patient care plan based on user input received at the computing device. 16. The method of claim 15, wherein the case manager is affiliated with a hospital responsible for care of the patient. 17. The method of claim 1, further comprising generating resultant data including hospital readmission data. 18. The method of claim 1, wherein generating the patient care plan comprises selecting the patient care plan from a plurality of patient care plans stored in a computer-readable storage medium based on the patient data. 19. The method of claim 18, wherein selecting the patient care plan comprises selecting a care plan template based on one or more medical conditions. 20. The method of claim 1, wherein generating the patient care plan comprises modifying the patient care plan based on user input received at the computing device. 21. The method of claim 1, further comprising selecting one or more of the members based on member data stored in a computer-readable storage medium. 22. A computer-readable storage device encoded with a computer program comprising instructions that, when executed, operate to cause one or more processors to perform operations comprising:
receiving patient data at a computing device, the patient data comprising data regarding a condition of the patient and at least a portion of the patient data being transmitted to the computing device from a clinical information system over a network; determining a patient risk level based on the patient data; generating a patient care plan based on the patient data, the patient care plan comprising one or more tasks, the one or more tasks based on the patient risk level; receiving user input at the computing device; assigning a care team comprising one or more members based on the user input, each member responsible for execution of at least one of the one or more tasks; generating at least one required action corresponding to each of the one or more tasks; transmitting the at least one required action to a remote computing device associated with a member that is responsible for execution of a task related to the at least one required action; and monitoring execution of the one or more tasks based on task data received at the computing device. 23. A system comprising:
a computing device comprising one or more processors; and a computer-readable storage device coupled to the one or more processors and having instructions stored thereon which, when executed by the one or more processors, causes the one or more processors to perform operations comprising:
receiving patient data, the patient data comprising data regarding a condition of the patient and at least a portion of the patient data being transmitted to the computing device from a clinical information system over a network;
determining a patient risk level based on the patient data;
generating a patient care plan based on the patient data, the patient care plan comprising one or more tasks, the one or more tasks based on the patient risk level;
receiving user input;
assigning a care team comprising one or more members based on the user input, each member responsible for execution of at least one of the one or more tasks;
generating at least one required action corresponding to each of the one or more tasks;
transmitting the at least one required action to a remote computing device associated with a member that is responsible for execution of a task related to the at least one required action; and
monitoring execution of the one or more tasks based on task data received at the computing device. | 3,600 |
12,707 | 12,707 | 15,423,617 | 3,637 | A dishwasher, including: a dishwashing compartment having a loading opening; a door configured to close the loading opening; a bottom washware rack configured for movement out of and into the dishwashing compartment; a middle washware rack configured for movement out of and into the dishwashing compartment; and a top washware rack configured for movement out of and into the dishwashing compartment. The top rack is formed of wire thereby to hold washware including cutlery and to enhance drying performance. The spacing between an inner surface of a top wall of the dishwashing compartment and an upper surface of a deepest portion of the top rack is in a range of 79.0 mm to 83.0 mm. The top rack is formed with a notch section along at least one side in a bottom portion thereof, and include an angled portion to hold bowls at a slight tilt with respect to horizontal. | 1. A dishwasher, comprising:
a dishwashing compartment having a loading opening; a door configured to close the loading opening; a bottom washware rack configured for movement out of and into the dishwashing compartment; a middle washware rack configured for movement out of and into the dishwashing compartment; and a top washware rack configured for movement out of and into the dishwashing compartment, the top washware rack being configured as a basket formed by a plurality of wire shaped elements, the plurality of wire shaped elements including a front wall, a rear wall, opposing side walls, and a bottom portion fixed together in a non-adjustable manner as a unitary member, wherein a spacing between an inner surface of a top wall of the dishwashing compartment and an upper surface of the bottom portion of a deepest portion of the top washware rack is in a range of 79.0 mm to 83.0 mm. 2. The dishwasher of claim 1, wherein a further spacing between an upper edge of the top washware rack and the inner surface of the top wall of the dishwashing compartment is in a range of 9.0 to 10.5 mm. 3. The dishwasher of claim 2, wherein the further spacing is 9.85 mm±0.5 mm. 4. A dishwasher, comprising:
a dishwashing compartment having a loading opening; a door configured to close the loading opening; a bottom washware rack configured for movement out of and into the dishwashing compartment; a middle washware rack configured for movement out of and into the dishwashing compartment; and a top washware rack configured for movement out of and into the dishwashing compartment, wherein the top washware rack is configured as a basket formed by a plurality of wire shaped elements, the plurality of wire shaped elements including a front wall, a rear wall, opposing side walls, and a bottom portion fixed together in a non-adjustable manner as a unitary member, the plurality of wire shaped elements being formed of at least one of entirely out of metal or metal having a coating of Nylon powder, thereby to hold washware including cutlery and washware which is larger than cutlery and to enhance drying performance. 5. The dishwasher of claim 4, wherein the plurality of wire shaped elements are formed entirely of stainless steel. 6. The dishwasher of claim 4, wherein the plurality of wire shaped elements are formed of carbon steel having the coating of Nylon powder. 7. A dishwasher, comprising:
a dishwashing compartment having a loading opening; a door configured to close the loading opening; a bottom washware rack configured for movement out of and into the dishwashing compartment; a middle washware rack configured for movement out of and into the dishwashing compartment; and a top washware rack configured for movement out of and into the dishwashing compartment, wherein the middle washware rack is configured on at least one side to hold one or more stemmed wine glasses; wherein the top washware rack is configured as a basket formed by a plurality of wire shaped elements, the plurality of wire shaped elements including a front wall, a rear wall, opposing side walls, and a bottom portion fixed together in a non-adjustable manner as a unitary member; wherein the plurality of wire shaped elements that form the basket are formed with a vertically extending notch section along at least one side edge portion in the bottom portion of the basket in order to accommodate base portions of the one or more stemmed wine glasses; and wherein the vertically extending notch section forms a stepped portion in the bottom portion of the basket such that a substantially horizontal top surface of the stepped portion in the bottom portion of the basket is located closer to an inner surface of a top wall of the dishwashing compartment as compared to a remainder of the bottom portion of the basket. 8. The dishwasher of claim 7, wherein the middle washware rack is configured on the at least one side to hold one or more stemmed wine glasses having a height of approximately 9 inches. 9. The dishwasher of claim 7, wherein the top washware rack, at a location directly above the vertically extending notch section, is configured to accommodate at least one of cutlery or utensils. 10. A dishwasher, comprising:
a dishwashing compartment having a loading opening; a door configured to close the loading opening; a bottom washware rack configured for movement out of and into the dishwashing compartment; a middle washware rack configured for movement out of and into the dishwashing compartment; and a top washware rack configured for movement out of and into the dishwashing compartment, wherein the top washware rack is configured as a basket formed by a plurality of wire shaped elements, the plurality of wire shaped elements including a front wall, a rear wall, opposing side walls, and a bottom portion fixed together in a non-adjustable manner as a unitary member; and wherein the bottom portion of the basket includes at least one angled portion that is configured to hold bowls at a slight tilt with respect to horizontal in order to drain off water from the bowls. 11. The dishwasher of claim 10, wherein the at least one angled portion is tilted at an angle in a range of 3 to 5 degrees with respect to horizontal. 12. The dishwasher of claim 10, wherein the at least one angled portion is tilted at an angle of approximately 4 degrees with respect to horizontal. 13. The dishwasher of claim 10, wherein the at least one angled portion includes stopper ribs to keep bowls from sliding in a front-back direction on the top washware rack. 14. The dishwasher of claim 10, wherein the at least one angled portion is configured to hold bowls that are of a standard 6 inch diameter in size. 15. The dishwasher of claim 10, wherein the at least one angled portion comprises two angled portions disposed side-by-side. 16. The dishwasher of claim 10, wherein a front wall of the top washware rack includes a form for mounting thereon a handle. 17. A dishwasher comprising a dishwashing compartment, a first, bottom washware rack, a second, middle washware rack, and a third, top washware rack,
wherein the third, top washware rack is configured as a basket formed by a plurality of wire shaped elements, the plurality of wire shaped elements including a front wall, a rear wall, opposing side walls, and a bottom portion fixed together in a non-adjustable manner as a unitary member; wherein the bottom portion of the basket includes at least one angled portion that is configured to hold bowls at a slight tilt of approximately 4 degrees with respect to horizontal in order to drain off water from the bowls; wherein the third, top washware rack is formed with a notch section along at least one side in the bottom portion of the basket in order to accommodate base portions of one or more stemmed wine glasses supported on the second, middle washware rack; and wherein the notch section forms a stepped portion in the bottom portion of the basket such that a substantially horizontal top surface of the stepped portion in the bottom portion of the basket is located closer to an inner surface of a top wall of the dishwashing compartment as compared to a remainder of the bottom portion of the basket. 18. The dishwasher of claim 17, wherein the at least one angled portion comprises two angled portions disposed side-by-side. 19. The dishwasher of claim 17, wherein the at least one angled portion includes stopper ribs to keep bowls from sliding in a front-back direction on the top washware rack. 20. The dishwasher of claim 17, wherein the third, top washware rack, at a location directly above the notch section, is configured to accommodate at least one of cutlery or utensils. | A dishwasher, including: a dishwashing compartment having a loading opening; a door configured to close the loading opening; a bottom washware rack configured for movement out of and into the dishwashing compartment; a middle washware rack configured for movement out of and into the dishwashing compartment; and a top washware rack configured for movement out of and into the dishwashing compartment. The top rack is formed of wire thereby to hold washware including cutlery and to enhance drying performance. The spacing between an inner surface of a top wall of the dishwashing compartment and an upper surface of a deepest portion of the top rack is in a range of 79.0 mm to 83.0 mm. The top rack is formed with a notch section along at least one side in a bottom portion thereof, and include an angled portion to hold bowls at a slight tilt with respect to horizontal.1. A dishwasher, comprising:
a dishwashing compartment having a loading opening; a door configured to close the loading opening; a bottom washware rack configured for movement out of and into the dishwashing compartment; a middle washware rack configured for movement out of and into the dishwashing compartment; and a top washware rack configured for movement out of and into the dishwashing compartment, the top washware rack being configured as a basket formed by a plurality of wire shaped elements, the plurality of wire shaped elements including a front wall, a rear wall, opposing side walls, and a bottom portion fixed together in a non-adjustable manner as a unitary member, wherein a spacing between an inner surface of a top wall of the dishwashing compartment and an upper surface of the bottom portion of a deepest portion of the top washware rack is in a range of 79.0 mm to 83.0 mm. 2. The dishwasher of claim 1, wherein a further spacing between an upper edge of the top washware rack and the inner surface of the top wall of the dishwashing compartment is in a range of 9.0 to 10.5 mm. 3. The dishwasher of claim 2, wherein the further spacing is 9.85 mm±0.5 mm. 4. A dishwasher, comprising:
a dishwashing compartment having a loading opening; a door configured to close the loading opening; a bottom washware rack configured for movement out of and into the dishwashing compartment; a middle washware rack configured for movement out of and into the dishwashing compartment; and a top washware rack configured for movement out of and into the dishwashing compartment, wherein the top washware rack is configured as a basket formed by a plurality of wire shaped elements, the plurality of wire shaped elements including a front wall, a rear wall, opposing side walls, and a bottom portion fixed together in a non-adjustable manner as a unitary member, the plurality of wire shaped elements being formed of at least one of entirely out of metal or metal having a coating of Nylon powder, thereby to hold washware including cutlery and washware which is larger than cutlery and to enhance drying performance. 5. The dishwasher of claim 4, wherein the plurality of wire shaped elements are formed entirely of stainless steel. 6. The dishwasher of claim 4, wherein the plurality of wire shaped elements are formed of carbon steel having the coating of Nylon powder. 7. A dishwasher, comprising:
a dishwashing compartment having a loading opening; a door configured to close the loading opening; a bottom washware rack configured for movement out of and into the dishwashing compartment; a middle washware rack configured for movement out of and into the dishwashing compartment; and a top washware rack configured for movement out of and into the dishwashing compartment, wherein the middle washware rack is configured on at least one side to hold one or more stemmed wine glasses; wherein the top washware rack is configured as a basket formed by a plurality of wire shaped elements, the plurality of wire shaped elements including a front wall, a rear wall, opposing side walls, and a bottom portion fixed together in a non-adjustable manner as a unitary member; wherein the plurality of wire shaped elements that form the basket are formed with a vertically extending notch section along at least one side edge portion in the bottom portion of the basket in order to accommodate base portions of the one or more stemmed wine glasses; and wherein the vertically extending notch section forms a stepped portion in the bottom portion of the basket such that a substantially horizontal top surface of the stepped portion in the bottom portion of the basket is located closer to an inner surface of a top wall of the dishwashing compartment as compared to a remainder of the bottom portion of the basket. 8. The dishwasher of claim 7, wherein the middle washware rack is configured on the at least one side to hold one or more stemmed wine glasses having a height of approximately 9 inches. 9. The dishwasher of claim 7, wherein the top washware rack, at a location directly above the vertically extending notch section, is configured to accommodate at least one of cutlery or utensils. 10. A dishwasher, comprising:
a dishwashing compartment having a loading opening; a door configured to close the loading opening; a bottom washware rack configured for movement out of and into the dishwashing compartment; a middle washware rack configured for movement out of and into the dishwashing compartment; and a top washware rack configured for movement out of and into the dishwashing compartment, wherein the top washware rack is configured as a basket formed by a plurality of wire shaped elements, the plurality of wire shaped elements including a front wall, a rear wall, opposing side walls, and a bottom portion fixed together in a non-adjustable manner as a unitary member; and wherein the bottom portion of the basket includes at least one angled portion that is configured to hold bowls at a slight tilt with respect to horizontal in order to drain off water from the bowls. 11. The dishwasher of claim 10, wherein the at least one angled portion is tilted at an angle in a range of 3 to 5 degrees with respect to horizontal. 12. The dishwasher of claim 10, wherein the at least one angled portion is tilted at an angle of approximately 4 degrees with respect to horizontal. 13. The dishwasher of claim 10, wherein the at least one angled portion includes stopper ribs to keep bowls from sliding in a front-back direction on the top washware rack. 14. The dishwasher of claim 10, wherein the at least one angled portion is configured to hold bowls that are of a standard 6 inch diameter in size. 15. The dishwasher of claim 10, wherein the at least one angled portion comprises two angled portions disposed side-by-side. 16. The dishwasher of claim 10, wherein a front wall of the top washware rack includes a form for mounting thereon a handle. 17. A dishwasher comprising a dishwashing compartment, a first, bottom washware rack, a second, middle washware rack, and a third, top washware rack,
wherein the third, top washware rack is configured as a basket formed by a plurality of wire shaped elements, the plurality of wire shaped elements including a front wall, a rear wall, opposing side walls, and a bottom portion fixed together in a non-adjustable manner as a unitary member; wherein the bottom portion of the basket includes at least one angled portion that is configured to hold bowls at a slight tilt of approximately 4 degrees with respect to horizontal in order to drain off water from the bowls; wherein the third, top washware rack is formed with a notch section along at least one side in the bottom portion of the basket in order to accommodate base portions of one or more stemmed wine glasses supported on the second, middle washware rack; and wherein the notch section forms a stepped portion in the bottom portion of the basket such that a substantially horizontal top surface of the stepped portion in the bottom portion of the basket is located closer to an inner surface of a top wall of the dishwashing compartment as compared to a remainder of the bottom portion of the basket. 18. The dishwasher of claim 17, wherein the at least one angled portion comprises two angled portions disposed side-by-side. 19. The dishwasher of claim 17, wherein the at least one angled portion includes stopper ribs to keep bowls from sliding in a front-back direction on the top washware rack. 20. The dishwasher of claim 17, wherein the third, top washware rack, at a location directly above the notch section, is configured to accommodate at least one of cutlery or utensils. | 3,600 |
12,708 | 12,708 | 11,566,718 | 3,683 | The behavior of a messaging system can be modified. A message from a sender can be received. A determination can be made that the message is associated with a workflow. A position of the sender within an organizational hierarchy can be identified. The workflow associated with the message can be initiated according to the position of the sender. | 1. A method of modifying behavior of an electronic messaging system comprising:
receiving a message from a sender; determining that the message is associated with a workflow; identifying a position of the sender within an organizational hierarchy; and initiating the workflow associated with the message according to the position of the sender. 2. The method of claim 1, further comprising identifying a position within the organizational hierarchy of a recipient of the message, wherein the workflow is initiated according to an organizational relationship between the sender and the recipient. 3. The method of claim 1, wherein initiating the workflow further comprises selectively applying the workflow to at least one recipient of the message. 4. The method of claim 1, wherein initiating the workflow further comprises preventing another function from being performed within the messaging client of the recipient until an indication that the message has been acted upon is received. 5. The method of claim 1, wherein initiating the workflow further comprises presenting the message at a top of a message queue displayed within the messaging client of the recipient. 6. The method of claim 1, wherein the message is sent to a plurality of recipients, the method further comprising associating a plurality of workflows with the message, wherein different ones of the plurality of workflows are associated with different ones of the plurality of recipients. 7. The method of claim 1, further comprising implementing the organizational hierarchy as a lightweight directory access protocol directory. 8. The method of claim 1, further comprising implementing the organizational hierarchy as a directed acyclic graph. 9. The method of claim 1, further comprising a recipient of the message inheriting the workflow. 10. The method of claim 9, further comprising:
adding a requirement to the inherited workflow, thereby creating a modified workflow; and initiating the modified workflow with respect to at least one other recipient according to an organizational relationship between the recipient and the at least one other recipient. 11. A system for modifying behavior of an electronic messaging system comprising:
an organizational hierarchy specifying user positions within an organization; a messaging server comprising at least one workflow; a first messaging client associated with a sender, wherein the first messaging client sends a message associated with the workflow to a recipient; and a second messaging client associated with the recipient, wherein the workflow is initiated according to a position of the sender within the organizational hierarchy. 12. The system of claim 11, wherein a position within the organizational hierarchy of the recipient is identified, wherein the workflow is initiated according to an organizational relationship between the sender and the recipient. 13. The system of claim 12, wherein the workflow is selectively applied against the recipient according to the organizational relationship. 14. A computer program product comprising:
a computer-usable medium having computer-usable program code that modifies behavior of an electronic messaging system, said computer program product including: computer-usable program code that receives a message from a sender; computer-usable program code that determines that the message is associated with a workflow; computer-usable program code that identifies a position of the sender within an organizational hierarchy; and computer-usable program code that initiates the workflow associated with the message according to the position of the sender. 15. The computer program product of claim 14, further comprising computer-usable program code that identifies a position within the organizational hierarchy of a recipient of the message, wherein the computer-usable program code that initiates the workflow further comprises computer-usable program code that initiates the workflow according to an organizational relationship between the sender and the recipient. 16. The computer program product of claim 14, wherein the computer-usable program code that initiates the workflow further comprises computer-usable program code that selectively applies the workflow to at least one recipient of the message. 17. The computer program product of claim 14, wherein the message is sent to a plurality of recipients, the computer program product further comprising computer-usable program code that associates a plurality of workflows with the message, wherein different ones of the plurality of workflows are associated with different ones of the plurality of recipients. 18. The computer program product of claim 14, further comprising computer-usable program code that implements the organizational hierarchy as a directed acyclic graph. 19. The computer program product of claim 14, further comprising computer-usable program code that allows a recipient of the message to inherit the workflow. 20. The computer program product of claim 19, further comprising:
computer-usable program code that adds a requirement to the inherited workflow, thereby creating a modified workflow; and computer-usable program code that initiates the modified workflow with respect to at least one other recipient according to an organizational relationship between the recipient and the at least one other recipient. | The behavior of a messaging system can be modified. A message from a sender can be received. A determination can be made that the message is associated with a workflow. A position of the sender within an organizational hierarchy can be identified. The workflow associated with the message can be initiated according to the position of the sender.1. A method of modifying behavior of an electronic messaging system comprising:
receiving a message from a sender; determining that the message is associated with a workflow; identifying a position of the sender within an organizational hierarchy; and initiating the workflow associated with the message according to the position of the sender. 2. The method of claim 1, further comprising identifying a position within the organizational hierarchy of a recipient of the message, wherein the workflow is initiated according to an organizational relationship between the sender and the recipient. 3. The method of claim 1, wherein initiating the workflow further comprises selectively applying the workflow to at least one recipient of the message. 4. The method of claim 1, wherein initiating the workflow further comprises preventing another function from being performed within the messaging client of the recipient until an indication that the message has been acted upon is received. 5. The method of claim 1, wherein initiating the workflow further comprises presenting the message at a top of a message queue displayed within the messaging client of the recipient. 6. The method of claim 1, wherein the message is sent to a plurality of recipients, the method further comprising associating a plurality of workflows with the message, wherein different ones of the plurality of workflows are associated with different ones of the plurality of recipients. 7. The method of claim 1, further comprising implementing the organizational hierarchy as a lightweight directory access protocol directory. 8. The method of claim 1, further comprising implementing the organizational hierarchy as a directed acyclic graph. 9. The method of claim 1, further comprising a recipient of the message inheriting the workflow. 10. The method of claim 9, further comprising:
adding a requirement to the inherited workflow, thereby creating a modified workflow; and initiating the modified workflow with respect to at least one other recipient according to an organizational relationship between the recipient and the at least one other recipient. 11. A system for modifying behavior of an electronic messaging system comprising:
an organizational hierarchy specifying user positions within an organization; a messaging server comprising at least one workflow; a first messaging client associated with a sender, wherein the first messaging client sends a message associated with the workflow to a recipient; and a second messaging client associated with the recipient, wherein the workflow is initiated according to a position of the sender within the organizational hierarchy. 12. The system of claim 11, wherein a position within the organizational hierarchy of the recipient is identified, wherein the workflow is initiated according to an organizational relationship between the sender and the recipient. 13. The system of claim 12, wherein the workflow is selectively applied against the recipient according to the organizational relationship. 14. A computer program product comprising:
a computer-usable medium having computer-usable program code that modifies behavior of an electronic messaging system, said computer program product including: computer-usable program code that receives a message from a sender; computer-usable program code that determines that the message is associated with a workflow; computer-usable program code that identifies a position of the sender within an organizational hierarchy; and computer-usable program code that initiates the workflow associated with the message according to the position of the sender. 15. The computer program product of claim 14, further comprising computer-usable program code that identifies a position within the organizational hierarchy of a recipient of the message, wherein the computer-usable program code that initiates the workflow further comprises computer-usable program code that initiates the workflow according to an organizational relationship between the sender and the recipient. 16. The computer program product of claim 14, wherein the computer-usable program code that initiates the workflow further comprises computer-usable program code that selectively applies the workflow to at least one recipient of the message. 17. The computer program product of claim 14, wherein the message is sent to a plurality of recipients, the computer program product further comprising computer-usable program code that associates a plurality of workflows with the message, wherein different ones of the plurality of workflows are associated with different ones of the plurality of recipients. 18. The computer program product of claim 14, further comprising computer-usable program code that implements the organizational hierarchy as a directed acyclic graph. 19. The computer program product of claim 14, further comprising computer-usable program code that allows a recipient of the message to inherit the workflow. 20. The computer program product of claim 19, further comprising:
computer-usable program code that adds a requirement to the inherited workflow, thereby creating a modified workflow; and computer-usable program code that initiates the modified workflow with respect to at least one other recipient according to an organizational relationship between the recipient and the at least one other recipient. | 3,600 |
12,709 | 12,709 | 12,888,709 | 3,626 | A biological information monitor which receives, directly or via an network, biological information of a patient which is measured by a unit attached to the patient, includes: a display portion on which the biological information is displayed; and a controlling portion which displays, on the display portion, at least one of a reason of temporary room leaving accompanied by stoppage of measurement of the biological information of the patient, a period for leaving a room, a scheduled time for restarting the measurement, and present progress information. | 1. A biological information monitor which receives, directly or via an network, biological information of a patient which is measured by a unit attached to the patient, the biological information monitor comprising:
a display portion on which the biological information is displayed; and a controlling portion which displays, on the display portion, at least one of a reason of temporary room leaving accompanied by stoppage of measurement of the biological information of the patient, a period for leaving a room, a scheduled time for restarting the measurement, and present progress information. 2. The biological information monitor according to claim 1, further comprising:
an inputting portion in which at least one of the reason, the period, and the scheduled time is input. 3. The biological information monitor according to claim 2, wherein
the inputting portion includes a plurality of items for the reason and a plurality of items for the period, and the reason is selected from the items for the reason and the period is selected from the items for the period. 4. The biological information monitor according to claim 1, further comprising:
an alarm outputting portion which outputs an alarm including a visual or audible alarm, wherein in a case where the measurement is stopped after the scheduled time for restarting the measurement, the alarm is output. 5. The biological information monitor according claim 1, wherein
the present progress information is graphically displayed while distinguishing a present time, an elapsed time, a remaining time period, and an overtime period from one another. 6. The biological information monitor according claim 1, wherein
the present progress information is displayed in a form of an analog clock while distinguishing a present time, an elapsed time, a remaining time period, and an overtime period from one another. 7. The biological information monitor according claim 1, wherein
the present progress information is displayed in a form of a bar graph display while distinguishing a present time, an elapsed time, a remaining time period, and an overtime period from one another. 8. The biological information monitor according to claim 1, further comprising:
an inputting portion in which an input comment is displayed together with at least one of the reason, the period, the scheduled time, and the present progress information. 9. The biological information monitor according to claim 1, being a monitor in which biological information of a plurality of patients is displayed on a common display portion and remotely monitored. | A biological information monitor which receives, directly or via an network, biological information of a patient which is measured by a unit attached to the patient, includes: a display portion on which the biological information is displayed; and a controlling portion which displays, on the display portion, at least one of a reason of temporary room leaving accompanied by stoppage of measurement of the biological information of the patient, a period for leaving a room, a scheduled time for restarting the measurement, and present progress information.1. A biological information monitor which receives, directly or via an network, biological information of a patient which is measured by a unit attached to the patient, the biological information monitor comprising:
a display portion on which the biological information is displayed; and a controlling portion which displays, on the display portion, at least one of a reason of temporary room leaving accompanied by stoppage of measurement of the biological information of the patient, a period for leaving a room, a scheduled time for restarting the measurement, and present progress information. 2. The biological information monitor according to claim 1, further comprising:
an inputting portion in which at least one of the reason, the period, and the scheduled time is input. 3. The biological information monitor according to claim 2, wherein
the inputting portion includes a plurality of items for the reason and a plurality of items for the period, and the reason is selected from the items for the reason and the period is selected from the items for the period. 4. The biological information monitor according to claim 1, further comprising:
an alarm outputting portion which outputs an alarm including a visual or audible alarm, wherein in a case where the measurement is stopped after the scheduled time for restarting the measurement, the alarm is output. 5. The biological information monitor according claim 1, wherein
the present progress information is graphically displayed while distinguishing a present time, an elapsed time, a remaining time period, and an overtime period from one another. 6. The biological information monitor according claim 1, wherein
the present progress information is displayed in a form of an analog clock while distinguishing a present time, an elapsed time, a remaining time period, and an overtime period from one another. 7. The biological information monitor according claim 1, wherein
the present progress information is displayed in a form of a bar graph display while distinguishing a present time, an elapsed time, a remaining time period, and an overtime period from one another. 8. The biological information monitor according to claim 1, further comprising:
an inputting portion in which an input comment is displayed together with at least one of the reason, the period, the scheduled time, and the present progress information. 9. The biological information monitor according to claim 1, being a monitor in which biological information of a plurality of patients is displayed on a common display portion and remotely monitored. | 3,600 |
12,710 | 12,710 | 13,026,346 | 3,626 | The present invention relates to a system and method for real-time delivery of medical tests and related data from laboratories or similar sources to portable communication devices such as mobile phones, text-enabled pagers and web-enabled personal digital assistance (PDA's) and other WAP devices. The subject system enables physicians to access test results remotely as soon as they become available. Also, the system allows the physician to develop an electronic prescription and submit the electronic prescription to a pharmacy using the portable communications device. | 1. A method for delivery and use of medical test data comprising:
receiving medical test data related to at least one patient, said medical test data generated by at least one medical laboratory in response at least one order of a physician; storing said medical test data on a medical data server; notifying said physician that said medical test data are available on said medical data server; and, sending said medical test data to a portable communications device controlled by said physician. 2. The method for delivery and use of medical test data as set forth in claim 1, wherein said steps of receiving and storing medical test data together comprise continuously receiving and storing updated medical test data on the medical data server, and wherein said step of sending said medical test data comprises wireless transmission of said medical test data to said portable communications device, said method further comprising using a web browser in said portable communications device to display said medical test data to said physician. 3. The method as set forth in claim 2, further comprising:
tracking and storing in said internet web server physician preferenced for presentation and use of said medical test data. 4. The method as set forth in claim 3, further comprising:
sending information to said portable communications device from said internet web server to provide said physician with information concerning patient care and compliance related to said medical test data. 5. The method as set forth in claim 1, further comprising, after said storing step:
receiving a request from said portable communications device to send said medical test data to said portable communications device, wherein said step of sending said medical test data to said portable communications device is carried out in response to said request. 6. The method as set forth in claim 1, wherein said steps of receiving and storing medical test data related to at least one patient comprises receiving medical test data related to a plurality of different tests and patients from a plurality of different medical laboratories in response to a plurality of different orders of said physician. 7. The method as set forth in claim 6, wherein said step of sending said medical test data to said portable communications device comprises sending medical test data related to a plurality of different tests and patients from a plurality of different medical laboratories in response to a plurality of different orders of said physician controlling said portable communications device. 8. The method as set forth in claim 7, further comprising, after said sending step:
using said portable communications device to display to said physician one of: (i) a first list comprising names of a plurality of different patients for which medical test data have been sent to said portable communications device; and, (ii) a second list comprising names of a plurality of different tests for which medical test data have been sent to said portable communications device. 9. The method as set forth in claim 8, wherein said first and second lists begin with all patient names and all tests, respectively, with which panic and stat medical test data are associated. 10. The method as set forth in claim 8, further comprising, after said step of displaying one of said first and second lists:
receiving input from said physician, through said portable communications device, that indicates a patient and a test, for which said physician desires to receive further information. 11. The method as set forth in claim 10, further comprising:
based upon said input received from said physician concerning the desired patient and test for which said physician desires to receive additional information, (i) sending to said portable communications device desired medical test data related to said desired test and desired patient; and, (ii) using said portable communications device to display said desired medical test data. 12. The method as set forth in claim 1, further comprising:
receiving input from said physician at said portable communications device related to a pharmacological treatment prescribed by said physician for said at least one patient; generating an electronic prescription that describes said pharmacological treatment; and, sending said electronic prescription to a pharmacy. 13. The method as set forth in claim 12, wherein said step of receiving input from said physician related to a pharmacological treatment comprises:
using said portable communications device to display to a physician a list of drugs; receiving from said portable communications device input from said physician relating to a drug selected from said list that said physician desires to prescribe; using said portable communications device to display to said physician a predefined default electronic prescription for said selected drug; receiving from said portable communications device input from said physician that one of: (i) accepts said predefined default electronic prescription; and, (ii) modifies said predefined default electronic prescription; and, sending said electronic prescription from said portable communications device to a pharmacy. | The present invention relates to a system and method for real-time delivery of medical tests and related data from laboratories or similar sources to portable communication devices such as mobile phones, text-enabled pagers and web-enabled personal digital assistance (PDA's) and other WAP devices. The subject system enables physicians to access test results remotely as soon as they become available. Also, the system allows the physician to develop an electronic prescription and submit the electronic prescription to a pharmacy using the portable communications device.1. A method for delivery and use of medical test data comprising:
receiving medical test data related to at least one patient, said medical test data generated by at least one medical laboratory in response at least one order of a physician; storing said medical test data on a medical data server; notifying said physician that said medical test data are available on said medical data server; and, sending said medical test data to a portable communications device controlled by said physician. 2. The method for delivery and use of medical test data as set forth in claim 1, wherein said steps of receiving and storing medical test data together comprise continuously receiving and storing updated medical test data on the medical data server, and wherein said step of sending said medical test data comprises wireless transmission of said medical test data to said portable communications device, said method further comprising using a web browser in said portable communications device to display said medical test data to said physician. 3. The method as set forth in claim 2, further comprising:
tracking and storing in said internet web server physician preferenced for presentation and use of said medical test data. 4. The method as set forth in claim 3, further comprising:
sending information to said portable communications device from said internet web server to provide said physician with information concerning patient care and compliance related to said medical test data. 5. The method as set forth in claim 1, further comprising, after said storing step:
receiving a request from said portable communications device to send said medical test data to said portable communications device, wherein said step of sending said medical test data to said portable communications device is carried out in response to said request. 6. The method as set forth in claim 1, wherein said steps of receiving and storing medical test data related to at least one patient comprises receiving medical test data related to a plurality of different tests and patients from a plurality of different medical laboratories in response to a plurality of different orders of said physician. 7. The method as set forth in claim 6, wherein said step of sending said medical test data to said portable communications device comprises sending medical test data related to a plurality of different tests and patients from a plurality of different medical laboratories in response to a plurality of different orders of said physician controlling said portable communications device. 8. The method as set forth in claim 7, further comprising, after said sending step:
using said portable communications device to display to said physician one of: (i) a first list comprising names of a plurality of different patients for which medical test data have been sent to said portable communications device; and, (ii) a second list comprising names of a plurality of different tests for which medical test data have been sent to said portable communications device. 9. The method as set forth in claim 8, wherein said first and second lists begin with all patient names and all tests, respectively, with which panic and stat medical test data are associated. 10. The method as set forth in claim 8, further comprising, after said step of displaying one of said first and second lists:
receiving input from said physician, through said portable communications device, that indicates a patient and a test, for which said physician desires to receive further information. 11. The method as set forth in claim 10, further comprising:
based upon said input received from said physician concerning the desired patient and test for which said physician desires to receive additional information, (i) sending to said portable communications device desired medical test data related to said desired test and desired patient; and, (ii) using said portable communications device to display said desired medical test data. 12. The method as set forth in claim 1, further comprising:
receiving input from said physician at said portable communications device related to a pharmacological treatment prescribed by said physician for said at least one patient; generating an electronic prescription that describes said pharmacological treatment; and, sending said electronic prescription to a pharmacy. 13. The method as set forth in claim 12, wherein said step of receiving input from said physician related to a pharmacological treatment comprises:
using said portable communications device to display to a physician a list of drugs; receiving from said portable communications device input from said physician relating to a drug selected from said list that said physician desires to prescribe; using said portable communications device to display to said physician a predefined default electronic prescription for said selected drug; receiving from said portable communications device input from said physician that one of: (i) accepts said predefined default electronic prescription; and, (ii) modifies said predefined default electronic prescription; and, sending said electronic prescription from said portable communications device to a pharmacy. | 3,600 |
12,711 | 12,711 | 14,318,500 | 3,686 | Embodiments allow for the retrieval of information identifying the current context (patient being seen, medical record associated with the patient, or medical field selected) of a practice member. That information may be used as a key for subsequent API calls to match data submitted with records in an EHR system. In addition, a confidence level may be associated with that context. The confidence level may describe the level of confidence that context is correctly associated with that key. | 1. A computer-implemented method to help integrate an application with an electronic health record (EHR) system, comprising:
receiving, from the application operated by a member of a medical practice interacting with a patient, a context application program interface (API) call; and in response to the context API call:
retrieving a current status of the member in the application with respect to the patient,
determining, based on the current status, a plurality of keys, each key identifying one possible EHR element that is related to patient information in the EHR system,
for each key, calculating a confidence value indicating how likely that key is to be selected by the member,
selecting, from the determined plurality of keys, a key that identifies a possible EHR element, the key selected based on whether the calculated confidence value for the selected key is above the threshold, and
returning the selected key to the application, the returned key enabling the member to more efficiently select the possible EHR element as a correct EHR element. 2. The method of claim 1, further comprising:
retrieving a second current status of a second member in a second application with respect to the patient, wherein the second member is from the medical practice, and wherein the calculation is based on the current status and the second current status. 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the context API call is initiated in response to a save request by the application to save a set of data, wherein the selected key is a first key, the method further comprising:
in response to the context API call:
selecting, from the determined plurality of keys, a second key that identifies a possible EHR element the second key selected based on whether the calculated confidence value for the second selected key is above the threshold, and
returning the selected first and second keys to the application, the returned first and second keys enabling the member to more efficiently select the correct EHR element;
receiving, from the first and second returned keys, the first key selected by the member, the received first key corresponding to the correct EHR element; and upon receipt of the first key, saving the set of data to the possible EHR element identified by the first key. 4. The method of claim 3, wherein the key is used in subsequent read or write API calls. 5. The method of claim 1, wherein the possible EHR element is a selected one of a patient, a patient's chart note, and a field of the patient's chart note. 6. (canceled) 7. The method of claim 1, wherein the current status is a selected one of a role of the member, a current cursor position in the application, a last accessed field in the application, and a current task of the application in the foreground. 8. The method of claim 1, wherein the calculation is performed based on a history of past selected keys, further comprising:
saving the current status, the plurality of keys, and the history of past selected keys in a feedback database; and incorporating an adaptive algorithm using data from the feedback database in a subsequent calculation. 9. The method of claim 3, wherein the first and second keys are returned in an order based on the respective calculated confidence values. 10. (canceled) 11. A computer-implemented system to help integrate an application with an electronic health record (EHR) system, comprising:
a computing device; a medical record database; a context application program interface (API) server, implemented on the computing device, that receives from the application operated by a member of a medical practice interacting with a patient, a context API call; and a processing module on the context API server that in response to the context API call,
retrieves a current status of the member in the application with respect to the patient,
determines, based on the current status, a plurality of keys, each key identifying one possible EHR element that is related to patient information in the EHR system,
for each key, calculates a confidence value indicating how likely that key is to be selected by the member,
selects, from the determined plurality of keys, a key that identifies a possible EHR element, the key selected based on whether the calculated confidence value for the selected key is above the threshold, and
returns the selected key to the application, the returned key enabling the member to more efficiently select the possible EHR element as a correct EHR element. 12. The system of claim 11, wherein the processing module retrieves a second current status of a second member in a second application with respect to the patient, wherein the second member is from the medical practice, and wherein the calculation is based on the current status and the second current status. 13. The system of claim 11, further comprising:
a feedback database; a memory storage; an interface module on the context API server, that in response to receiving the context API call initiated by a save request, from the application, to save a set of data, saves the retrieved current status to the memory storage; an I/O module, that in response to returning the key:
receives the key selected by the member, the key corresponding to the correct EHR element;
saves the selected key to the feedback database; and
saves the set of data to the possible EHR element in the medical record database. 14. The system of claim 13, wherein the determination is based on looking up data from the feedback database. 15. The system of claim 14, wherein the calculation incorporates an adaptive algorithm using data from at least one of the feedback database and the memory storage. 16. (canceled) 17. A program storage device tangibly embodying a program of instructions executable by at least one machine to perform a method to help integrate an application with an electronic health record (EHR) system, comprising:
receiving, from the application operated by a member of a medical practice interacting with a patient, a context application program interface (API) call; in response to the context API call:
retrieving a current status of the member in the application with respect to the patient,
determining, based on the current status, a plurality of keys, each key identifying one possible EHR element that is related to patient information in the EHR system,
for each key, calculating a confidence value indicating how likely that key is to be selected by the member,
selecting, from the determined plurality of keys, a key that identifies a possible EHR element, the key selected based on whether the calculated confidence value for the selected key is above the threshold; and
returning the selected key to the application, the returned key enabling the member to more efficiently select the possible EHR element as a correct EHR element. 18. The program storage device of claim 17, wherein the context API call is initiated in response to a save request by the application to save a set of data, wherein the selected key is a first key, the method further comprising:
in response to the context API call:
selecting, from the determined plurality of keys, a second key that identifies a possible EHR element, the second key selected based on whether the calculated confidence value for the second selected key is above the threshold, and
returning the selected first and second keys to the application, the returned first and second keys enabling the member to more efficiently select the correct EHR element;
receiving, from the first and second returned keys, the first key selected by the member, the received first key corresponding to the correct EHR element; and upon receipt of the first key, saving the set of data to the possible EHR element identified by the first key. 19. (canceled) 20. The program storage device of claim 17, wherein the calculation is performed based on a history of past selected keys, further comprising:
saving the current status, the plurality of keys, and the history of past selected keys in a feedback database; and incorporating an adaptive algorithm using data from the feedback database in a subsequent calculation. | Embodiments allow for the retrieval of information identifying the current context (patient being seen, medical record associated with the patient, or medical field selected) of a practice member. That information may be used as a key for subsequent API calls to match data submitted with records in an EHR system. In addition, a confidence level may be associated with that context. The confidence level may describe the level of confidence that context is correctly associated with that key.1. A computer-implemented method to help integrate an application with an electronic health record (EHR) system, comprising:
receiving, from the application operated by a member of a medical practice interacting with a patient, a context application program interface (API) call; and in response to the context API call:
retrieving a current status of the member in the application with respect to the patient,
determining, based on the current status, a plurality of keys, each key identifying one possible EHR element that is related to patient information in the EHR system,
for each key, calculating a confidence value indicating how likely that key is to be selected by the member,
selecting, from the determined plurality of keys, a key that identifies a possible EHR element, the key selected based on whether the calculated confidence value for the selected key is above the threshold, and
returning the selected key to the application, the returned key enabling the member to more efficiently select the possible EHR element as a correct EHR element. 2. The method of claim 1, further comprising:
retrieving a second current status of a second member in a second application with respect to the patient, wherein the second member is from the medical practice, and wherein the calculation is based on the current status and the second current status. 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the context API call is initiated in response to a save request by the application to save a set of data, wherein the selected key is a first key, the method further comprising:
in response to the context API call:
selecting, from the determined plurality of keys, a second key that identifies a possible EHR element the second key selected based on whether the calculated confidence value for the second selected key is above the threshold, and
returning the selected first and second keys to the application, the returned first and second keys enabling the member to more efficiently select the correct EHR element;
receiving, from the first and second returned keys, the first key selected by the member, the received first key corresponding to the correct EHR element; and upon receipt of the first key, saving the set of data to the possible EHR element identified by the first key. 4. The method of claim 3, wherein the key is used in subsequent read or write API calls. 5. The method of claim 1, wherein the possible EHR element is a selected one of a patient, a patient's chart note, and a field of the patient's chart note. 6. (canceled) 7. The method of claim 1, wherein the current status is a selected one of a role of the member, a current cursor position in the application, a last accessed field in the application, and a current task of the application in the foreground. 8. The method of claim 1, wherein the calculation is performed based on a history of past selected keys, further comprising:
saving the current status, the plurality of keys, and the history of past selected keys in a feedback database; and incorporating an adaptive algorithm using data from the feedback database in a subsequent calculation. 9. The method of claim 3, wherein the first and second keys are returned in an order based on the respective calculated confidence values. 10. (canceled) 11. A computer-implemented system to help integrate an application with an electronic health record (EHR) system, comprising:
a computing device; a medical record database; a context application program interface (API) server, implemented on the computing device, that receives from the application operated by a member of a medical practice interacting with a patient, a context API call; and a processing module on the context API server that in response to the context API call,
retrieves a current status of the member in the application with respect to the patient,
determines, based on the current status, a plurality of keys, each key identifying one possible EHR element that is related to patient information in the EHR system,
for each key, calculates a confidence value indicating how likely that key is to be selected by the member,
selects, from the determined plurality of keys, a key that identifies a possible EHR element, the key selected based on whether the calculated confidence value for the selected key is above the threshold, and
returns the selected key to the application, the returned key enabling the member to more efficiently select the possible EHR element as a correct EHR element. 12. The system of claim 11, wherein the processing module retrieves a second current status of a second member in a second application with respect to the patient, wherein the second member is from the medical practice, and wherein the calculation is based on the current status and the second current status. 13. The system of claim 11, further comprising:
a feedback database; a memory storage; an interface module on the context API server, that in response to receiving the context API call initiated by a save request, from the application, to save a set of data, saves the retrieved current status to the memory storage; an I/O module, that in response to returning the key:
receives the key selected by the member, the key corresponding to the correct EHR element;
saves the selected key to the feedback database; and
saves the set of data to the possible EHR element in the medical record database. 14. The system of claim 13, wherein the determination is based on looking up data from the feedback database. 15. The system of claim 14, wherein the calculation incorporates an adaptive algorithm using data from at least one of the feedback database and the memory storage. 16. (canceled) 17. A program storage device tangibly embodying a program of instructions executable by at least one machine to perform a method to help integrate an application with an electronic health record (EHR) system, comprising:
receiving, from the application operated by a member of a medical practice interacting with a patient, a context application program interface (API) call; in response to the context API call:
retrieving a current status of the member in the application with respect to the patient,
determining, based on the current status, a plurality of keys, each key identifying one possible EHR element that is related to patient information in the EHR system,
for each key, calculating a confidence value indicating how likely that key is to be selected by the member,
selecting, from the determined plurality of keys, a key that identifies a possible EHR element, the key selected based on whether the calculated confidence value for the selected key is above the threshold; and
returning the selected key to the application, the returned key enabling the member to more efficiently select the possible EHR element as a correct EHR element. 18. The program storage device of claim 17, wherein the context API call is initiated in response to a save request by the application to save a set of data, wherein the selected key is a first key, the method further comprising:
in response to the context API call:
selecting, from the determined plurality of keys, a second key that identifies a possible EHR element, the second key selected based on whether the calculated confidence value for the second selected key is above the threshold, and
returning the selected first and second keys to the application, the returned first and second keys enabling the member to more efficiently select the correct EHR element;
receiving, from the first and second returned keys, the first key selected by the member, the received first key corresponding to the correct EHR element; and upon receipt of the first key, saving the set of data to the possible EHR element identified by the first key. 19. (canceled) 20. The program storage device of claim 17, wherein the calculation is performed based on a history of past selected keys, further comprising:
saving the current status, the plurality of keys, and the history of past selected keys in a feedback database; and incorporating an adaptive algorithm using data from the feedback database in a subsequent calculation. | 3,600 |
12,712 | 12,712 | 14,933,196 | 3,623 | A system, method and program product for analyzing product preferences and providing trend analysis for a gathering of individuals at an event. An infrastructure is disclosed having a system for setting up and managing an event; a system for registering users physically attending the event; a system for registering items associated with the users and storing event-user-item (EUI) information in an EUI database; and an analysis system for analyzing EUI information to provide item preferences and trend analysis. | 1. An event check-in system running on a computing system with a processor and memory, comprising:
a system for setting up and managing an event; a system for registering users physically present at the event; a system for registering items associated with the users and storing event-user-item (EUI) information in an EUI database; and an analysis system for analyzing EUI information to provide item preferences and trend analysis. 2. The system of claim 1, further comprising an ecommerce storefront for selling items identified as relevant to the event by the analysis system. 3. The system of claim 1, wherein items are automatically registered with a tagging system. 4. The system of claim 3, wherein the tagging system includes at least one of a tag reader and an image recognition system. 5. The system of claim 1, wherein the users are registered with one of a mobile app, a kiosk or a facial recognition system. 6. The system of claim 1, further comprising a user interface for allowing users to query information from the EUI database. 7. The system of claim 1, further comprising an application programming interface for allowing data consumers to access the EUI database. 8. A computer program product stored on computer readable storage medium, which when executed by a computing system provides an event check-in system, comprising:
program instructions for setting up and managing an event; program instructions for registering users physically present at the event; program instructions for registering items associated with the users and for storing event-user-item (EUI) information in an EUI database; and program instructions for analyzing EUI information to provide item preferences and trend analysis. 9. The computer program product of claim 8, further comprising program instructions for providing an ecommerce storefront for selling items identified as relevant to the event. 10. The computer program product of claim 8, wherein item information is collected from a tagging system and evaluated to determine a item identity. 11. The computer program product of claim 10, wherein the tagging system includes at least one of a tag reader and an image recognition system. 12. The computer program product of claim 8, wherein user registration data is collected with one of a mobile app, a kiosk or a facial recognition system. 13. The computer program product of claim 8, further comprising program instructions to provide a user interface for allowing users to query information from the EUI database. 14. The computer program product of claim 8, further comprising program instructions for proving an application programming interface (API) for allowing data consumers to access the EUI database. 15. A computerized method of providing an event check-in system, comprising:
providing an interface for setting up and managing an event; registering users physically present at the event; registering items associated with the users and storing event-user-item (EUI) information in an EUI database; and analyzing EUI information to provide item preferences and trend analysis. 16. The method of claim 15, further comprising providing an ecommerce storefront for selling items identified as relevant to the event based on the item preferences and trend analysis. 17. The method of claim 15, wherein items are automatically registered with a tagging system. 18. The method of claim 17, wherein the tagging system includes at least one of a tag reader and an image recognition system. 19. The method of claim 15, wherein the users are registered with one of a mobile app, a kiosk or a facial recognition system. 20. The system of claim 1, further comprising:
providing a user interface for allowing users to query information from the EUI database; and providing an application programming interface for allowing data consumers to access the EUI database. | A system, method and program product for analyzing product preferences and providing trend analysis for a gathering of individuals at an event. An infrastructure is disclosed having a system for setting up and managing an event; a system for registering users physically attending the event; a system for registering items associated with the users and storing event-user-item (EUI) information in an EUI database; and an analysis system for analyzing EUI information to provide item preferences and trend analysis.1. An event check-in system running on a computing system with a processor and memory, comprising:
a system for setting up and managing an event; a system for registering users physically present at the event; a system for registering items associated with the users and storing event-user-item (EUI) information in an EUI database; and an analysis system for analyzing EUI information to provide item preferences and trend analysis. 2. The system of claim 1, further comprising an ecommerce storefront for selling items identified as relevant to the event by the analysis system. 3. The system of claim 1, wherein items are automatically registered with a tagging system. 4. The system of claim 3, wherein the tagging system includes at least one of a tag reader and an image recognition system. 5. The system of claim 1, wherein the users are registered with one of a mobile app, a kiosk or a facial recognition system. 6. The system of claim 1, further comprising a user interface for allowing users to query information from the EUI database. 7. The system of claim 1, further comprising an application programming interface for allowing data consumers to access the EUI database. 8. A computer program product stored on computer readable storage medium, which when executed by a computing system provides an event check-in system, comprising:
program instructions for setting up and managing an event; program instructions for registering users physically present at the event; program instructions for registering items associated with the users and for storing event-user-item (EUI) information in an EUI database; and program instructions for analyzing EUI information to provide item preferences and trend analysis. 9. The computer program product of claim 8, further comprising program instructions for providing an ecommerce storefront for selling items identified as relevant to the event. 10. The computer program product of claim 8, wherein item information is collected from a tagging system and evaluated to determine a item identity. 11. The computer program product of claim 10, wherein the tagging system includes at least one of a tag reader and an image recognition system. 12. The computer program product of claim 8, wherein user registration data is collected with one of a mobile app, a kiosk or a facial recognition system. 13. The computer program product of claim 8, further comprising program instructions to provide a user interface for allowing users to query information from the EUI database. 14. The computer program product of claim 8, further comprising program instructions for proving an application programming interface (API) for allowing data consumers to access the EUI database. 15. A computerized method of providing an event check-in system, comprising:
providing an interface for setting up and managing an event; registering users physically present at the event; registering items associated with the users and storing event-user-item (EUI) information in an EUI database; and analyzing EUI information to provide item preferences and trend analysis. 16. The method of claim 15, further comprising providing an ecommerce storefront for selling items identified as relevant to the event based on the item preferences and trend analysis. 17. The method of claim 15, wherein items are automatically registered with a tagging system. 18. The method of claim 17, wherein the tagging system includes at least one of a tag reader and an image recognition system. 19. The method of claim 15, wherein the users are registered with one of a mobile app, a kiosk or a facial recognition system. 20. The system of claim 1, further comprising:
providing a user interface for allowing users to query information from the EUI database; and providing an application programming interface for allowing data consumers to access the EUI database. | 3,600 |
12,713 | 12,713 | 14,324,535 | 3,687 | A method includes processing a plurality of items for purchase using a transaction approval system. Before processing ends, the transaction approval system is used to provide an offer to electronically receive from a consumer at least one of identification of a financial account and approval from the consumer to charge a total cost of the plurality of items to the financial account, and after processing ends, the total cost of the plurality of items is determined. If the consumer did not provide one or more of identification of the financial account and approval in response to the offer, then, after determining the total cost of the plurality of items, the transaction approval system is used to electronically prompt the consumer for and to electronically receive at least one of the identification of the financial account and approval from the consumer to charge the total cost to the financial account. | 1. A method of processing a retail sales transaction, the method comprising:
processing a plurality of items for purchase using a point-of-sale terminal that is part of a transaction approval system at a point of sale in a retail store, wherein:
processing the plurality of items for purchase includes using the transaction approval system to determine associated price information for each item included in the plurality of items for purchase based on identifiers associated with the plurality of items for purchase,
processing the plurality of items for purchase begins when information regarding an identifier of a first one of the plurality of items for purchase is entered into the point-of-sale terminal, and
processing the plurality of items for purchase ends when information regarding the identifiers associated with the plurality of items for purchase has been entered into the point-of-sale terminal and all the associated price information for each item included in the plurality of items for purchase has been determined;
before processing the plurality of items for purchase ends, providing an offer, via the transaction approval system, to electronically receive from a consumer at least one of an identification of a financial account that will be used by the consumer to pay for the plurality of items for purchase and approval from the consumer to charge the total cost to the financial account; after processing the plurality of items for purchase ends, determining the total cost of the plurality of items for purchase using the point-of-sale terminal; and if the consumer did not provide one or more of identification of the financial account and approval to charge to the financial account in response to the offer before the total cost is determined, then, after determining the total cost of the plurality of items for purchase, using the transaction approval system to electronically prompt the consumer for and to electronically receive from the consumer at least one of the identification of the financial account that will be used by the consumer to pay for the plurality of items for purchase and approval from the consumer to charge the total cost to the financial account. 2. The method of claim 1, further comprising:
after providing the offer and during processing of the plurality of items for purchase, electronically capturing the approval from the consumer using the transaction approval system such that the consumer is free from providing another approval to complete purchase of the plurality of items after the total cost is determined. 3. The method of claim 2, wherein electronically capturing the approval of the consumer is completed substantially free from assistance from a retail store employee operating the point-of-sale terminal. 4. The method of claim 2, wherein the approval includes a signature of the consumer. 5. The method of claim 1, wherein receiving the identification of the financial account is completed substantially free from assistance from a retail store employee operating the point-of-sale terminal. 6. The method of claim 1, wherein:
the transaction approval system includes a financial transaction terminal in electrical communication with the point-of-sale terminal, the financial transaction terminal having a financial transaction terminal display facing in a different direction than a point-of-sale terminal display of the point-of-sale terminal, the offer and the prompt are each visually performed using the financial transaction terminal display, and providing the offer includes visually indicating that the total cost of the plurality of items for purchase has not yet been determined. 7. The method of claim 6, wherein visually indicating that the total cost of the plurality of items for purchase has not yet been determined includes displaying an empty total cost field on the user interface. 8. The method of claim 7, wherein:
using the transaction approval system to electronically prompt the consumer includes using the financial transaction terminal to visually indicate the total cost in the location of the financial transaction terminal display previously occupied by the empty total cost field. 9. The method of claim 6, wherein:
receiving the identification of the financial account is completed substantially free from assistance from a retail store employee operating the point-of-sale terminal, and the method decreases an amount of time the consumer needs to spend at the point of sale in the retail store to complete the retail sales transaction. 10. The method of claim 6, wherein:
the financial transaction terminal includes a reception slot, and receiving the identification of the financial account includes receiving a financial transaction card from the consumer via the reception slot such that the transaction approval system can determine the identification of the financial account by reading from the financial transaction card. 11. The method of claim 6, further comprising visually presenting the total cost to the consumer via the financial transaction terminal display after determining the total cost of the plurality of items for purchase using the point-of-sale terminal. 12. The method of claim 1, further comprising:
completing the retail sales transaction after determining the total cost of the plurality of items for purchase, wherein the consumer is free to take the plurality of items for purchase from the retail store only after completing the retail sales transaction; wherein the retail sales transaction is completed in a single visit by the consumer to the point of sale in the retail store. 13. The method of claim 1, further comprising:
receiving authorization from a financial institution supporting the financial account that the financial account is sufficiently funded to support the retail sales transaction for the total cost of the plurality of items for purchase; and charging the total cost of the plurality of items for purchase against the financial account. 14. A method of performing a retail sales transaction using a transaction approval system including a point-of-sale terminal and a financial transaction terminal, the method comprising steps performed in the following order:
using the point-of-sale terminal to determine an identity of a first one of a plurality of goods being purchased by a consumer based on a product code of the first one of the plurality of goods to begin the retail sales transaction; using the financial transaction terminal to determine an identity of a financial account based on a financial transaction card presented to the financial transaction terminal by the consumer; using the financial transaction terminal to present to the consumer an opportunity to provide final approval to charge a total price for all of the plurality of goods to the financial account; using the point-of-sale terminal to determine an identity of a last one of the plurality of goods being purchased by the consumer based on a product code of the last one of the plurality of goods; determining a total price for all of the plurality of goods being purchased by the consumer; if the consumer did not provide final approval in response to the opportunity being presented to the consumer, visually prompting the consumer to provide the final approval using the financial transaction terminal; if the consumer did not provide final approval in response to the opportunity being presented to the consumer, electronically receiving the final approval; and charging the total price of all the plurality of goods to the financial account. 15. The method of claim 14, wherein presenting the consumer the opportunity to provide the final approval to charge the total price for all of the plurality of goods to the financial account is preformed simultaneously with using the financial transaction terminal to visually indicate to the consumer that the total price has not yet been determined. 16. The method of claim 14, wherein electronically receiving the final approval includes electronically receiving a consumer confirmation to charge the total price to the financial account via the financial transaction terminal. 17. The method of claim 14, wherein:
the transaction approval system is located within a retail store, and the consumer is free to take the goods from the retail store only after charging the total price of all of the plurality of goods to the financial account is substantially completed. 18. The method of claim 14, wherein:
the financial transaction terminal includes a user interface, and the method further comprises:
prior to determining the total price of all of the plurality of goods and while using the financial transaction terminal to present the consumer the opportunity, visually indicating to the consumer via the user interface that the total price has not yet been determined, and
after determining the total price of all of the plurality of goods, visually indicating the total price to the consumer via the user interface of the financial transaction terminal while visually prompting the consumer to provide the final approval using the financial transaction terminal. 19. A method of processing a retail sales transaction in a retail store, the method comprising:
processing a plurality of items for purchase using a point-of-sale terminal including determining associated price information for each item included in the plurality of items for purchase, wherein processing the plurality of items begins by determining price information for a first one of the plurality of items for purchase and is completed when a total price of all the plurality of items for purchase is determined; after beginning and before completing processing the plurality of items for purchase, receiving a financial transaction card via a financial transaction terminal coupled with the point-of-sale terminal and reading the financial transaction card to determine an identification of a financial account that will be used by a consumer to pay for the plurality of items for purchase; after receiving the financial transaction card and before completing processing, using the financial transaction terminal to display to the consumer a first opportunity to provide final approval to charge the total price of the plurality of items for purchase to the financial account after the total price is determined; after completing processing of the plurality of items for purchase and receiving the financial transaction card, determining the total price of the plurality of items for purchase; where the consumer did not use the first opportunity to provide final approval, using the financial transaction terminal to display to the consumer a second opportunity to provide the final approval to charge the total price of the plurality of items to the financial account and receiving the total approval via the financial transaction terminal, wherein using the financial transaction terminal to display to the consumer the second opportunity includes displaying the total price substantially simultaneously with displaying the consumer the second opportunity; and charging the total price of the plurality of items for purchase to the financial account. 20. The method of claim 19, wherein using the financial transaction terminal to display to the consumer the first opportunity to provide the final approval is performed substantially simultaneously with using the financial transaction terminal to display an indication that the total cost is currently undetermined. | A method includes processing a plurality of items for purchase using a transaction approval system. Before processing ends, the transaction approval system is used to provide an offer to electronically receive from a consumer at least one of identification of a financial account and approval from the consumer to charge a total cost of the plurality of items to the financial account, and after processing ends, the total cost of the plurality of items is determined. If the consumer did not provide one or more of identification of the financial account and approval in response to the offer, then, after determining the total cost of the plurality of items, the transaction approval system is used to electronically prompt the consumer for and to electronically receive at least one of the identification of the financial account and approval from the consumer to charge the total cost to the financial account.1. A method of processing a retail sales transaction, the method comprising:
processing a plurality of items for purchase using a point-of-sale terminal that is part of a transaction approval system at a point of sale in a retail store, wherein:
processing the plurality of items for purchase includes using the transaction approval system to determine associated price information for each item included in the plurality of items for purchase based on identifiers associated with the plurality of items for purchase,
processing the plurality of items for purchase begins when information regarding an identifier of a first one of the plurality of items for purchase is entered into the point-of-sale terminal, and
processing the plurality of items for purchase ends when information regarding the identifiers associated with the plurality of items for purchase has been entered into the point-of-sale terminal and all the associated price information for each item included in the plurality of items for purchase has been determined;
before processing the plurality of items for purchase ends, providing an offer, via the transaction approval system, to electronically receive from a consumer at least one of an identification of a financial account that will be used by the consumer to pay for the plurality of items for purchase and approval from the consumer to charge the total cost to the financial account; after processing the plurality of items for purchase ends, determining the total cost of the plurality of items for purchase using the point-of-sale terminal; and if the consumer did not provide one or more of identification of the financial account and approval to charge to the financial account in response to the offer before the total cost is determined, then, after determining the total cost of the plurality of items for purchase, using the transaction approval system to electronically prompt the consumer for and to electronically receive from the consumer at least one of the identification of the financial account that will be used by the consumer to pay for the plurality of items for purchase and approval from the consumer to charge the total cost to the financial account. 2. The method of claim 1, further comprising:
after providing the offer and during processing of the plurality of items for purchase, electronically capturing the approval from the consumer using the transaction approval system such that the consumer is free from providing another approval to complete purchase of the plurality of items after the total cost is determined. 3. The method of claim 2, wherein electronically capturing the approval of the consumer is completed substantially free from assistance from a retail store employee operating the point-of-sale terminal. 4. The method of claim 2, wherein the approval includes a signature of the consumer. 5. The method of claim 1, wherein receiving the identification of the financial account is completed substantially free from assistance from a retail store employee operating the point-of-sale terminal. 6. The method of claim 1, wherein:
the transaction approval system includes a financial transaction terminal in electrical communication with the point-of-sale terminal, the financial transaction terminal having a financial transaction terminal display facing in a different direction than a point-of-sale terminal display of the point-of-sale terminal, the offer and the prompt are each visually performed using the financial transaction terminal display, and providing the offer includes visually indicating that the total cost of the plurality of items for purchase has not yet been determined. 7. The method of claim 6, wherein visually indicating that the total cost of the plurality of items for purchase has not yet been determined includes displaying an empty total cost field on the user interface. 8. The method of claim 7, wherein:
using the transaction approval system to electronically prompt the consumer includes using the financial transaction terminal to visually indicate the total cost in the location of the financial transaction terminal display previously occupied by the empty total cost field. 9. The method of claim 6, wherein:
receiving the identification of the financial account is completed substantially free from assistance from a retail store employee operating the point-of-sale terminal, and the method decreases an amount of time the consumer needs to spend at the point of sale in the retail store to complete the retail sales transaction. 10. The method of claim 6, wherein:
the financial transaction terminal includes a reception slot, and receiving the identification of the financial account includes receiving a financial transaction card from the consumer via the reception slot such that the transaction approval system can determine the identification of the financial account by reading from the financial transaction card. 11. The method of claim 6, further comprising visually presenting the total cost to the consumer via the financial transaction terminal display after determining the total cost of the plurality of items for purchase using the point-of-sale terminal. 12. The method of claim 1, further comprising:
completing the retail sales transaction after determining the total cost of the plurality of items for purchase, wherein the consumer is free to take the plurality of items for purchase from the retail store only after completing the retail sales transaction; wherein the retail sales transaction is completed in a single visit by the consumer to the point of sale in the retail store. 13. The method of claim 1, further comprising:
receiving authorization from a financial institution supporting the financial account that the financial account is sufficiently funded to support the retail sales transaction for the total cost of the plurality of items for purchase; and charging the total cost of the plurality of items for purchase against the financial account. 14. A method of performing a retail sales transaction using a transaction approval system including a point-of-sale terminal and a financial transaction terminal, the method comprising steps performed in the following order:
using the point-of-sale terminal to determine an identity of a first one of a plurality of goods being purchased by a consumer based on a product code of the first one of the plurality of goods to begin the retail sales transaction; using the financial transaction terminal to determine an identity of a financial account based on a financial transaction card presented to the financial transaction terminal by the consumer; using the financial transaction terminal to present to the consumer an opportunity to provide final approval to charge a total price for all of the plurality of goods to the financial account; using the point-of-sale terminal to determine an identity of a last one of the plurality of goods being purchased by the consumer based on a product code of the last one of the plurality of goods; determining a total price for all of the plurality of goods being purchased by the consumer; if the consumer did not provide final approval in response to the opportunity being presented to the consumer, visually prompting the consumer to provide the final approval using the financial transaction terminal; if the consumer did not provide final approval in response to the opportunity being presented to the consumer, electronically receiving the final approval; and charging the total price of all the plurality of goods to the financial account. 15. The method of claim 14, wherein presenting the consumer the opportunity to provide the final approval to charge the total price for all of the plurality of goods to the financial account is preformed simultaneously with using the financial transaction terminal to visually indicate to the consumer that the total price has not yet been determined. 16. The method of claim 14, wherein electronically receiving the final approval includes electronically receiving a consumer confirmation to charge the total price to the financial account via the financial transaction terminal. 17. The method of claim 14, wherein:
the transaction approval system is located within a retail store, and the consumer is free to take the goods from the retail store only after charging the total price of all of the plurality of goods to the financial account is substantially completed. 18. The method of claim 14, wherein:
the financial transaction terminal includes a user interface, and the method further comprises:
prior to determining the total price of all of the plurality of goods and while using the financial transaction terminal to present the consumer the opportunity, visually indicating to the consumer via the user interface that the total price has not yet been determined, and
after determining the total price of all of the plurality of goods, visually indicating the total price to the consumer via the user interface of the financial transaction terminal while visually prompting the consumer to provide the final approval using the financial transaction terminal. 19. A method of processing a retail sales transaction in a retail store, the method comprising:
processing a plurality of items for purchase using a point-of-sale terminal including determining associated price information for each item included in the plurality of items for purchase, wherein processing the plurality of items begins by determining price information for a first one of the plurality of items for purchase and is completed when a total price of all the plurality of items for purchase is determined; after beginning and before completing processing the plurality of items for purchase, receiving a financial transaction card via a financial transaction terminal coupled with the point-of-sale terminal and reading the financial transaction card to determine an identification of a financial account that will be used by a consumer to pay for the plurality of items for purchase; after receiving the financial transaction card and before completing processing, using the financial transaction terminal to display to the consumer a first opportunity to provide final approval to charge the total price of the plurality of items for purchase to the financial account after the total price is determined; after completing processing of the plurality of items for purchase and receiving the financial transaction card, determining the total price of the plurality of items for purchase; where the consumer did not use the first opportunity to provide final approval, using the financial transaction terminal to display to the consumer a second opportunity to provide the final approval to charge the total price of the plurality of items to the financial account and receiving the total approval via the financial transaction terminal, wherein using the financial transaction terminal to display to the consumer the second opportunity includes displaying the total price substantially simultaneously with displaying the consumer the second opportunity; and charging the total price of the plurality of items for purchase to the financial account. 20. The method of claim 19, wherein using the financial transaction terminal to display to the consumer the first opportunity to provide the final approval is performed substantially simultaneously with using the financial transaction terminal to display an indication that the total cost is currently undetermined. | 3,600 |
12,714 | 12,714 | 13,681,198 | 3,622 | Advertisements are served to users of an online system. An ad may be given a greater value if a user is near more friends, more people who have a specific interest, more people who have a high affinity for a brand, and/or surrounded by more people in general. Therefore, an ad system increases the price of serving an ad to a user based on how many other people who fit these criteria are near the user. | 1. A method comprising:
receiving a targeting cluster comprising a plurality of users of a social networking system; retrieving a plurality of information items about the plurality of users; retrieving a plurality of characteristics of a user population having a market value; determining a score matching the targeting cluster to the user population based on the retrieved plurality of characteristics of the user population and the retrieved plurality of information items about the plurality of users; determining an expected value of the targeting cluster based on the determined score and the market value of the user population; and storing the expected value of the targeting cluster in the social networking system. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein a plurality of characteristics of a user population are received from one or more advertisers. 3. The method of claim 1, wherein a plurality of characteristics of a user population are received from one or more users of the social networking system. 4. The method of claim 1, wherein a plurality of characteristics of a user population are received from one or more administrators of the social networking system. 5. The method of claim 1, wherein a plurality of characteristics of a user population are determined by the social networking system by analyzing user characteristics of advertisements having prices higher than a predetermined threshold. 6. The method of claim 1, wherein the market value of the user population is received from one or more advertisers. 7. The method of claim 1, wherein the market value of the user population is determined based on an auction where one or more advertisers have bid on the user population. 8. The method of claim 1, wherein the market value of the user population is determined based on market research. 9. The method of claim 1, wherein determining a score matching the targeting cluster to the user population further comprises:
retrieving a model for matching the targeting cluster to the user population; determining a fit analysis based on the model, where the fit analysis generates a correlation value; and determining the score as the correlation value generated from the fit analysis. 10. The method of claim 1, wherein determining an expected value of the targeting cluster based on the determined score and the market value of the user population further comprises:
determining a percentage discount comprising the determined score formatted as a percentage; computing the expected value as the market value of the user population minus the percentage discount of the market value; determining a fit analysis based on the model, where the fit analysis generates a correlation value; and determining the score as the correlation value generated from the fit analysis. 11. A method comprising:
receiving a targeting cluster comprising a plurality of users of a social networking system; retrieving a plurality of information items about the plurality of users; retrieving a model for pricing targeting clusters, the model comprising a plurality of criteria that increase the value of the targeting clusters; determining a price of the targeting cluster using the model for pricing targeting clusters, where the price increases based on the retrieved plurality of information items about the plurality of users satisfying the plurality of criteria; and storing the price of the targeting cluster in the social networking system. 12. The method of claim 11, wherein receiving a targeting cluster comprising a plurality of users of a social networking system further comprises:
receiving one or more content items indicating that the plurality of users are currently located at a venue; and determining the targeting cluster comprising the plurality of users that are currently located at the venue. 13. The method of claim 11, wherein receiving a targeting cluster comprising a plurality of users of a social networking system further comprises:
receiving one or more content items indicating that the plurality of users are currently located at a venue; and determining the targeting cluster comprising the plurality of users that are currently located at the venue. 14. The method of claim 11, wherein receiving a targeting cluster comprising a plurality of users of a social networking system further comprises:
receiving one or more content items indicating that each of the plurality of users are currently located with remaining users in the plurality of users; and determining the targeting cluster comprising the plurality of users where each user of the plurality of users are currently located with each of the remaining users. 15. The method of claim 11, wherein receiving a targeting cluster comprising a plurality of users of a social networking system further comprises:
receiving one or more content items indicating that the plurality of users share a specific interest in the social networking system; and determining the targeting cluster comprising the plurality of users that share the specific interest in the social networking system. 16. The method of claim 11, wherein receiving a targeting cluster comprising a plurality of users of a social networking system further comprises:
receiving one or more content items indicating that the plurality of users attended a particular event in the social networking system; and determining the targeting cluster comprising the plurality of users that attended the particular event in the social networking system. 17. The method of claim 11, wherein receiving a targeting cluster comprising a plurality of users of a social networking system further comprises:
receiving one or more content items indicating that the plurality of users completed a particular education level in the social networking system; and determining the targeting cluster comprising the plurality of users that completed the particular education level in the social networking system. 18. The method of claim 11, wherein retrieving a plurality of information items about the plurality of users further comprises:
retrieving the plurality of information items from a plurality of user profile objects for the plurality of users. 19. The method of claim 11, wherein retrieving a plurality of information items about the plurality of users further comprises:
retrieving the plurality of information items from a plurality of edge objects connected to the plurality of users. 20. The method of claim 11, wherein a criterion that increases the value of a targeting cluster comprises a high degree of connectivity between the plurality of users in the targeting cluster based on affinity scores for the plurality of users for other users in the targeting cluster exceeding a predetermined threshold. 21. The method of claim 11, wherein a criterion that increases the value of a targeting cluster comprises a majority of the plurality of users in the targeting cluster being located at a venue. 22. A method comprising:
receiving a request for serving an ad to one or more users of a social networking system currently located at a venue; determining a plurality of information items about each of the one or more users of the social networking system; retrieving a model for pricing ad requests, the model comprising a plurality of criteria that increase the prices of serving ads; determining one or more prices of serving the ad to the one or more users of the social networking system using the model for pricing ad requests, where a price of serving an ad to each user of the one or more users increases based on the determined plurality of information items about each user satisfying the plurality of criteria in the model; and storing the one or more prices of serving the ad to the one or more users currently located at the venue in the social networking system. 23. The method of claim 22, wherein receiving a request for serving an ad to one or more users of a social networking system currently located at a venue further comprises:
receiving the request from an advertiser that sponsored the venue. 24. The method of claim 22, wherein receiving a request for serving an ad to one or more users of a social networking system currently located at a venue further comprises:
receiving the request from an advertiser, where the ad includes a targeting cluster comprising the one or more users of the social networking system. 25. The method of claim 22, wherein determining a plurality of information items about each of the one or more users of the social networking system further comprises:
retrieving the plurality of information items about each of the one or more users of the social networking system from one or more corresponding user profile objects, one or more edge objects connected to the one or more users, and one or more content objects associated with the one or more users in the social networking system. 26. The method of claim 22, wherein retrieving a model for pricing ad requests, the model comprising a plurality of criteria that increase the prices of serving ads further comprises:
retrieving a previously defined model for pricing ad requests received from one or more advertisers. 27. The method of claim 22, wherein retrieving a model for pricing ad requests, the model comprising a plurality of criteria that increase the prices of serving ads further comprises:
retrieving a previously defined model for pricing ad requests determined by the social networking system. | Advertisements are served to users of an online system. An ad may be given a greater value if a user is near more friends, more people who have a specific interest, more people who have a high affinity for a brand, and/or surrounded by more people in general. Therefore, an ad system increases the price of serving an ad to a user based on how many other people who fit these criteria are near the user.1. A method comprising:
receiving a targeting cluster comprising a plurality of users of a social networking system; retrieving a plurality of information items about the plurality of users; retrieving a plurality of characteristics of a user population having a market value; determining a score matching the targeting cluster to the user population based on the retrieved plurality of characteristics of the user population and the retrieved plurality of information items about the plurality of users; determining an expected value of the targeting cluster based on the determined score and the market value of the user population; and storing the expected value of the targeting cluster in the social networking system. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein a plurality of characteristics of a user population are received from one or more advertisers. 3. The method of claim 1, wherein a plurality of characteristics of a user population are received from one or more users of the social networking system. 4. The method of claim 1, wherein a plurality of characteristics of a user population are received from one or more administrators of the social networking system. 5. The method of claim 1, wherein a plurality of characteristics of a user population are determined by the social networking system by analyzing user characteristics of advertisements having prices higher than a predetermined threshold. 6. The method of claim 1, wherein the market value of the user population is received from one or more advertisers. 7. The method of claim 1, wherein the market value of the user population is determined based on an auction where one or more advertisers have bid on the user population. 8. The method of claim 1, wherein the market value of the user population is determined based on market research. 9. The method of claim 1, wherein determining a score matching the targeting cluster to the user population further comprises:
retrieving a model for matching the targeting cluster to the user population; determining a fit analysis based on the model, where the fit analysis generates a correlation value; and determining the score as the correlation value generated from the fit analysis. 10. The method of claim 1, wherein determining an expected value of the targeting cluster based on the determined score and the market value of the user population further comprises:
determining a percentage discount comprising the determined score formatted as a percentage; computing the expected value as the market value of the user population minus the percentage discount of the market value; determining a fit analysis based on the model, where the fit analysis generates a correlation value; and determining the score as the correlation value generated from the fit analysis. 11. A method comprising:
receiving a targeting cluster comprising a plurality of users of a social networking system; retrieving a plurality of information items about the plurality of users; retrieving a model for pricing targeting clusters, the model comprising a plurality of criteria that increase the value of the targeting clusters; determining a price of the targeting cluster using the model for pricing targeting clusters, where the price increases based on the retrieved plurality of information items about the plurality of users satisfying the plurality of criteria; and storing the price of the targeting cluster in the social networking system. 12. The method of claim 11, wherein receiving a targeting cluster comprising a plurality of users of a social networking system further comprises:
receiving one or more content items indicating that the plurality of users are currently located at a venue; and determining the targeting cluster comprising the plurality of users that are currently located at the venue. 13. The method of claim 11, wherein receiving a targeting cluster comprising a plurality of users of a social networking system further comprises:
receiving one or more content items indicating that the plurality of users are currently located at a venue; and determining the targeting cluster comprising the plurality of users that are currently located at the venue. 14. The method of claim 11, wherein receiving a targeting cluster comprising a plurality of users of a social networking system further comprises:
receiving one or more content items indicating that each of the plurality of users are currently located with remaining users in the plurality of users; and determining the targeting cluster comprising the plurality of users where each user of the plurality of users are currently located with each of the remaining users. 15. The method of claim 11, wherein receiving a targeting cluster comprising a plurality of users of a social networking system further comprises:
receiving one or more content items indicating that the plurality of users share a specific interest in the social networking system; and determining the targeting cluster comprising the plurality of users that share the specific interest in the social networking system. 16. The method of claim 11, wherein receiving a targeting cluster comprising a plurality of users of a social networking system further comprises:
receiving one or more content items indicating that the plurality of users attended a particular event in the social networking system; and determining the targeting cluster comprising the plurality of users that attended the particular event in the social networking system. 17. The method of claim 11, wherein receiving a targeting cluster comprising a plurality of users of a social networking system further comprises:
receiving one or more content items indicating that the plurality of users completed a particular education level in the social networking system; and determining the targeting cluster comprising the plurality of users that completed the particular education level in the social networking system. 18. The method of claim 11, wherein retrieving a plurality of information items about the plurality of users further comprises:
retrieving the plurality of information items from a plurality of user profile objects for the plurality of users. 19. The method of claim 11, wherein retrieving a plurality of information items about the plurality of users further comprises:
retrieving the plurality of information items from a plurality of edge objects connected to the plurality of users. 20. The method of claim 11, wherein a criterion that increases the value of a targeting cluster comprises a high degree of connectivity between the plurality of users in the targeting cluster based on affinity scores for the plurality of users for other users in the targeting cluster exceeding a predetermined threshold. 21. The method of claim 11, wherein a criterion that increases the value of a targeting cluster comprises a majority of the plurality of users in the targeting cluster being located at a venue. 22. A method comprising:
receiving a request for serving an ad to one or more users of a social networking system currently located at a venue; determining a plurality of information items about each of the one or more users of the social networking system; retrieving a model for pricing ad requests, the model comprising a plurality of criteria that increase the prices of serving ads; determining one or more prices of serving the ad to the one or more users of the social networking system using the model for pricing ad requests, where a price of serving an ad to each user of the one or more users increases based on the determined plurality of information items about each user satisfying the plurality of criteria in the model; and storing the one or more prices of serving the ad to the one or more users currently located at the venue in the social networking system. 23. The method of claim 22, wherein receiving a request for serving an ad to one or more users of a social networking system currently located at a venue further comprises:
receiving the request from an advertiser that sponsored the venue. 24. The method of claim 22, wherein receiving a request for serving an ad to one or more users of a social networking system currently located at a venue further comprises:
receiving the request from an advertiser, where the ad includes a targeting cluster comprising the one or more users of the social networking system. 25. The method of claim 22, wherein determining a plurality of information items about each of the one or more users of the social networking system further comprises:
retrieving the plurality of information items about each of the one or more users of the social networking system from one or more corresponding user profile objects, one or more edge objects connected to the one or more users, and one or more content objects associated with the one or more users in the social networking system. 26. The method of claim 22, wherein retrieving a model for pricing ad requests, the model comprising a plurality of criteria that increase the prices of serving ads further comprises:
retrieving a previously defined model for pricing ad requests received from one or more advertisers. 27. The method of claim 22, wherein retrieving a model for pricing ad requests, the model comprising a plurality of criteria that increase the prices of serving ads further comprises:
retrieving a previously defined model for pricing ad requests determined by the social networking system. | 3,600 |
12,715 | 12,715 | 13,804,156 | 3,642 | An apparatus and a method of using at least one of a distance sensor and a light intensity sensor to adjust the distance between an artificial light source and plant canopy to control light intensity at the plant canopy is disclosed. | 1. An apparatus for controlling the light intensity received at a plant canopy comprising:
an artificial light source positioned generally above a plant canopy; a light intensity sensor positioned to measure a light intensity, the light intensity corresponding to one of the plant canopy and a distance above the plant canopy; a first height adjustment unit configured to adjust the distance between the artificial light source and plant canopy; wherein the first height adjustment unit adjusts the distance between the artificial light source and plant canopy in response to the light intensity measured by the light intensity sensor. 2. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a distance sensor coupled to the artificial light source, the distance sensor measures a distance between the distance sensor and the plant canopy. 3. The apparatus of claim 2, further comprising a second height adjustment unit configured to adjust the relative position of the light intensity sensor to the artificial light source, wherein the second height adjustment unit adjusts the relative distance between the artificial light source and light intensity sensor to maintain the light intensity sensor at a predetermined distance above the plant canopy. 4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the artificial light source, distance sensor, and second height adjustment unit are supported by a light frame. 5. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein the apparatus is located in a greenhouse having an internal frame, the artificial light source and distance sensor are supported by a light frame, and the first height adjustment unit is attached to the internal frame. 6. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein the first height adjustment unit comprises a rotatable member, a drive for rotating the rotatable member, and a plurality of cables having a first end wrapped around the rotatable member and a second end attached to a light frame rigidly attached to the artificial light source, the plurality of cables raising the light frame when the drive rotates the rotatable member in a first direction and lowering the light frame when the drive rotates the rotatable member in a second direction. 7. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein the distance sensor is an ultrasound sensor. 8. An apparatus for providing artificial light to a plant canopy comprising:
an artificial light source positioned generally above a plant canopy; a position sensor coupled to the artificial light source and measuring a distance between the distance sensor and the plant canopy; and a first height adjustment unit configured to automatically adjust the position of the artificial light source in response to the distance measured by the position sensor. 9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the height adjustment unit adjusts the position of the artificial light source to maintain a predetermined distance between the artificial light source and the plant canopy. 10. The apparatus of claim 9, further comprising:
a light intensity sensor positioned to measure a light intensity, the light intensity corresponding to one of the plant canopy and a distance above the plant canopy; and a second height adjustment unit configured to adjust the relative position of the light intensity sensor to the artificial light source; wherein the second height adjustment unit adjusts the relative position of the light intensity sensor to the artificial light source to maintain the light intensity sensor at a predetermined distance above the plant canopy. 11. A method of controlling the light intensity received at a plant canopy comprising the steps of:
providing a plurality of plants defining a plant canopy; providing artificial light from an artificial light source positioned above the plant canopy; measuring a light intensity with a light intensity sensor at one of the plant canopy and a predetermined distance above the plant canopy; and adjusting the distance between the plant canopy and artificial light source in response to the measured light intensity. 12. The method of claim 11 further comprising the steps of:
determining the distance between the light intensity sensor and the plant canopy; and
adjusting the position of the light intensity sensor relative to the artificial light source to position the light intensity sensor at the predetermined distance above the plant canopy. 13. The method of claim 11 further comprising dimming the artificial light source in response to the measured light intensity. 14. The method of claim 11 further said adjusting step further comprises the steps of:
(a) providing a target light intensity;
(b) comparing the measured light intensity with the target light intensity;
(c) increasing the distance between the plant canopy and artificial light source when the measured light intensity is greater than the target light intensity; and
(d) decreasing the distance between the plant canopy and artificial light source when the measured light intensity is less than the target light intensity. 15. The method of claim 14, wherein steps (a)-(d) are repeated at predetermined intervals. 16. The method of claim 15, wherein the target light intensity at each predetermined interval is the same. 17. The method of claim 15, wherein the target light intensity at each predetermined interval is cumulative of the target light intensity of previous periods and the measured light intensity at each predetermined interval is cumulative of the target light intensity of previous periods. 18. A method of controlling the light intensity received at a plant canopy comprising the steps of:
providing a plurality of plants defining a plant canopy; providing artificial light from an artificial light source positioned above the plant canopy; and automatically adjusting a distance between the plant canopy and the artificial light source to maintain a threshold separation distance between the plant canopy and the artificial light source. 19. The method of claim 18, further comprising the step of measuring a separation distance between the plant canopy and the artificial light source and when the separation distance is less than the threshold separation distance raising the artificial light source relative to the plant canopy. 20. The method of claim 19, further comprising the steps of
supporting the artificial light source with a light frame; and supporting a distance sensor used to measure the separation distance with the light frame. | An apparatus and a method of using at least one of a distance sensor and a light intensity sensor to adjust the distance between an artificial light source and plant canopy to control light intensity at the plant canopy is disclosed.1. An apparatus for controlling the light intensity received at a plant canopy comprising:
an artificial light source positioned generally above a plant canopy; a light intensity sensor positioned to measure a light intensity, the light intensity corresponding to one of the plant canopy and a distance above the plant canopy; a first height adjustment unit configured to adjust the distance between the artificial light source and plant canopy; wherein the first height adjustment unit adjusts the distance between the artificial light source and plant canopy in response to the light intensity measured by the light intensity sensor. 2. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a distance sensor coupled to the artificial light source, the distance sensor measures a distance between the distance sensor and the plant canopy. 3. The apparatus of claim 2, further comprising a second height adjustment unit configured to adjust the relative position of the light intensity sensor to the artificial light source, wherein the second height adjustment unit adjusts the relative distance between the artificial light source and light intensity sensor to maintain the light intensity sensor at a predetermined distance above the plant canopy. 4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the artificial light source, distance sensor, and second height adjustment unit are supported by a light frame. 5. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein the apparatus is located in a greenhouse having an internal frame, the artificial light source and distance sensor are supported by a light frame, and the first height adjustment unit is attached to the internal frame. 6. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein the first height adjustment unit comprises a rotatable member, a drive for rotating the rotatable member, and a plurality of cables having a first end wrapped around the rotatable member and a second end attached to a light frame rigidly attached to the artificial light source, the plurality of cables raising the light frame when the drive rotates the rotatable member in a first direction and lowering the light frame when the drive rotates the rotatable member in a second direction. 7. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein the distance sensor is an ultrasound sensor. 8. An apparatus for providing artificial light to a plant canopy comprising:
an artificial light source positioned generally above a plant canopy; a position sensor coupled to the artificial light source and measuring a distance between the distance sensor and the plant canopy; and a first height adjustment unit configured to automatically adjust the position of the artificial light source in response to the distance measured by the position sensor. 9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the height adjustment unit adjusts the position of the artificial light source to maintain a predetermined distance between the artificial light source and the plant canopy. 10. The apparatus of claim 9, further comprising:
a light intensity sensor positioned to measure a light intensity, the light intensity corresponding to one of the plant canopy and a distance above the plant canopy; and a second height adjustment unit configured to adjust the relative position of the light intensity sensor to the artificial light source; wherein the second height adjustment unit adjusts the relative position of the light intensity sensor to the artificial light source to maintain the light intensity sensor at a predetermined distance above the plant canopy. 11. A method of controlling the light intensity received at a plant canopy comprising the steps of:
providing a plurality of plants defining a plant canopy; providing artificial light from an artificial light source positioned above the plant canopy; measuring a light intensity with a light intensity sensor at one of the plant canopy and a predetermined distance above the plant canopy; and adjusting the distance between the plant canopy and artificial light source in response to the measured light intensity. 12. The method of claim 11 further comprising the steps of:
determining the distance between the light intensity sensor and the plant canopy; and
adjusting the position of the light intensity sensor relative to the artificial light source to position the light intensity sensor at the predetermined distance above the plant canopy. 13. The method of claim 11 further comprising dimming the artificial light source in response to the measured light intensity. 14. The method of claim 11 further said adjusting step further comprises the steps of:
(a) providing a target light intensity;
(b) comparing the measured light intensity with the target light intensity;
(c) increasing the distance between the plant canopy and artificial light source when the measured light intensity is greater than the target light intensity; and
(d) decreasing the distance between the plant canopy and artificial light source when the measured light intensity is less than the target light intensity. 15. The method of claim 14, wherein steps (a)-(d) are repeated at predetermined intervals. 16. The method of claim 15, wherein the target light intensity at each predetermined interval is the same. 17. The method of claim 15, wherein the target light intensity at each predetermined interval is cumulative of the target light intensity of previous periods and the measured light intensity at each predetermined interval is cumulative of the target light intensity of previous periods. 18. A method of controlling the light intensity received at a plant canopy comprising the steps of:
providing a plurality of plants defining a plant canopy; providing artificial light from an artificial light source positioned above the plant canopy; and automatically adjusting a distance between the plant canopy and the artificial light source to maintain a threshold separation distance between the plant canopy and the artificial light source. 19. The method of claim 18, further comprising the step of measuring a separation distance between the plant canopy and the artificial light source and when the separation distance is less than the threshold separation distance raising the artificial light source relative to the plant canopy. 20. The method of claim 19, further comprising the steps of
supporting the artificial light source with a light frame; and supporting a distance sensor used to measure the separation distance with the light frame. | 3,600 |
12,716 | 12,716 | 13,049,873 | 3,689 | A system and method for generating a mailer that includes a computer open to receive electronic communications from a plurality of users, a database within the system to store personal information of a plurality of users, an interface open to receive a mailer demand from a sending user for a receiving user, checking for a physical address and appropriate permissions in the database for the receiving user and combining the information with the mailer demand, generating the mailer according to the mailer demand and the physical address of the receiving user, delivering the mailer to a postal authority with sufficient postage for delivery to the mailer to the receiving user. In the system and method, each receiving user controls one or more permissions for sending users to utilize and/or view the receiving user's data, the database stores at least one mailing address for each receiving user, each user may demand a minimum of one mailer, and the sending user is not notified of the receiving user's personal information without the receiving user. | 1. A method for generating a mailer, comprising:
a) a system comprising a computer open to receive electronic communications from a plurality of users, b) a database within the system to store personal information of a plurality of users, c) an interface open to receive a mailer demand from a sending user for a receiving user, d) checking for a physical address and appropriate permissions in the database for the receiving user and combining the information with the mailer demand, e) sending the mailer demand to a lettershop, f) generating the mailer according to the mailer demand and the physical address of the receiving user, g) delivering the mailer to a postal authority with sufficient postage for delivery to the mailer to the receiving user, wherein each receiving user controls one or more permissions for sending users to utilize the receiving user's data, wherein the database stores at least one mailing address for each receiving user, wherein each user may demand a minimum of one mailer, wherein the sending user is not notified of the receiving user's personal information. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the users access the system via an online social network. 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the users access the system via an online game. | A system and method for generating a mailer that includes a computer open to receive electronic communications from a plurality of users, a database within the system to store personal information of a plurality of users, an interface open to receive a mailer demand from a sending user for a receiving user, checking for a physical address and appropriate permissions in the database for the receiving user and combining the information with the mailer demand, generating the mailer according to the mailer demand and the physical address of the receiving user, delivering the mailer to a postal authority with sufficient postage for delivery to the mailer to the receiving user. In the system and method, each receiving user controls one or more permissions for sending users to utilize and/or view the receiving user's data, the database stores at least one mailing address for each receiving user, each user may demand a minimum of one mailer, and the sending user is not notified of the receiving user's personal information without the receiving user.1. A method for generating a mailer, comprising:
a) a system comprising a computer open to receive electronic communications from a plurality of users, b) a database within the system to store personal information of a plurality of users, c) an interface open to receive a mailer demand from a sending user for a receiving user, d) checking for a physical address and appropriate permissions in the database for the receiving user and combining the information with the mailer demand, e) sending the mailer demand to a lettershop, f) generating the mailer according to the mailer demand and the physical address of the receiving user, g) delivering the mailer to a postal authority with sufficient postage for delivery to the mailer to the receiving user, wherein each receiving user controls one or more permissions for sending users to utilize the receiving user's data, wherein the database stores at least one mailing address for each receiving user, wherein each user may demand a minimum of one mailer, wherein the sending user is not notified of the receiving user's personal information. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the users access the system via an online social network. 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the users access the system via an online game. | 3,600 |
12,717 | 12,717 | 14,661,403 | 3,682 | Provided is a process of managing offers, the process including: obtaining, via a network, with a consumer mobile device, data defining an offer available based on the consumer mobile device being in a first geographic location and redeemable based on the consumer mobile device later being in a second geographic location; sensing, with the consumer mobile device, that the consumer mobile device is in the first geographic location; in response to sensing that that the consumer mobile device is in the first geographic location, presenting an alert with the consumer mobile device, the alert indicating that the offer is available; sensing that the consumer mobile device is in the second geographic location; and in response to sensing that the consumer mobile device is in the second geographic location, determining with a processor of the consumer mobile device that the offer has been redeemed. | 1. A method of programmatically administering a game of chance by interfacing an offer distribution system with a consumer mobile device to enter a consumer in the game of chance in exchange for the consumer moving from a mall to a store in the mall seeking consumer visits, the consumer mobile device presenting an alert describing the game of chance in response to detecting that the consumer is in a geofence corresponding to the mall, and the consumer mobile device causing the consumer to be entered in the game of chance in response to detecting that the consumer is within wireless range of a transmitter at the store, the method comprising:
obtaining data defining a multi-stage geolocated offer specifying one or more rewards to be conferred on consumers in exchange for the respective consumers moving from an alert geographic location to a reward geographic location,
wherein the alert geographic location is specified by a geofence defined with one or more geographic coordinates and is a geographic area smaller than 1,000 square kilometers that contains the reward geographic location;
wherein the reward geographic location corresponds to at least a portion of a physical site of a merchant and is specified by an identifier that is encoded in a wireless transmission by a wireless transmitter at the physical site of the merchant, and
wherein the one or more rewards include entry into a game of chance;
sending a consumer mobile device the multi-stage geolocated offer and instructions to alert a consumer to the multi-stage geolocated offer in response to the consumer mobile device detecting that the consumer mobile device is within the alert geographic location; sending the consumer mobile device instructions to perform steps comprising:
detecting when the consumer mobile device wirelessly receives the identifier that is encoded in the wireless transmission by the wireless transmitter at the physical site of the merchant, and
in response to detecting the identifier, sending an indication that the consumer is within the reward geographic location;
receiving an indication that the consumer is within the reward geographic location; determining, with a processor, based on the received indication that the consumer is within the reward geographic location, that the consumer qualifies for entry in the game of chance; and storing in memory data qualifying the consumer for the reward. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein:
the alert geographic location corresponds to a boundary of a mall; the reward geographic location is a store in the mall; and alerting the consumer to the multi-stage offer comprises displaying a message on a display screen of the consumer mobile device indicating that the consumer will receive one or more of the one or more rewards in exchange for visiting the store. 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the alert geographic location is comprised of one or more geographic locations which encompass an entrance or exit of a mall. 4. The method of claim 1, wherein:
the alert geographic location is defined by a geofence to which the consumer mobile device is instructed to compare geographic coordinates of the consumer mobile device obtained based on wireless signals received by the consumer mobile device, wherein the geofence includes an interior negative area in which consumers are not alerted to the multi-stage geofenced offer, and wherein the reward geographic location is in the interior negative area; and the identifier that is encoded in the wireless transmission by the wireless transmitter at the physical site of the merchant is a value encoded in a wireless beacon transmitting at the physical site of the merchant. 5. The method of claim 1, wherein after receiving an indication that the consumer is within the reward geographic location, sending the consumer mobile device an offer redeemable at the reward geographic location. 6. A method of managing offers, the method comprising:
obtaining, via a network, with a consumer mobile device, data defining an offer available based on the consumer mobile device being in a first geographic location and redeemable based on the consumer mobile device later being in a second geographic location; sensing, with the consumer mobile device, that the consumer mobile device is in the first geographic location; in response to sensing that that the consumer mobile device is in the first geographic location, presenting an alert with the consumer mobile device, the alert indicating that the offer is available; sensing that the consumer mobile device is in the second geographic location; in response to sensing that the consumer mobile device is in the second geographic location, determining with a processor of the consumer mobile device that the offer has been redeemed. 7. The method of claim 6, wherein:
the offer comprises entry into a game of chance in exchange for the consumer mobile device detecting the presence of the consumer mobile device at the second geographic location, wherein the second geographic location corresponds to a store of a merchant. 8. The method of claim 6, wherein the first geographic location is specified by a geofence defined by one or more latitude and longitude coordinates. 9. The method of claim 6, wherein the second geographic location is specified by a value transmitted by a wireless beacon at the second geographic location. 10. The method of claim 6, wherein obtaining the data defining the offer comprises:
sensing, with the consumer mobile device, a current geographic location of the consumer mobile device; requesting, with the consumer mobile device, offers specifying geographic locations including the current geographic location and offers specifying geographic locations near the current geographic location; receiving data defining a plurality of offers responsive to the request; and storing the data defining the plurality of offers in memory of the consumer mobile device. 11. The method of claim 6, comprising:
after determining that the offer has been redeemed, receiving with the consumer mobile device, data defining another offer redeemable based on the consumer mobile device later being in a third geographic location. 12. The method of claim 6, comprising:
after determining that the offer has been redeemed, incrementing a count of redemptions of the offer; determining that the count qualifies the consumer for a reward; and displaying an indication with the consumer mobile device that the consumer qualifies for the reward. 13. The method of claim 6, wherein sensing that the consumer mobile device is in the second geographic location comprises:
detecting a wirelessly transmitted value at the second geographic location with the consumer mobile device; or detecting a wirelessly transmitted value transmitted from the consumer mobile device with a merchant computing device. 14. The method of claim 6, wherein presenting an alert with the consumer mobile device comprises sending a message from the consumer mobile device to a wearable computing device to present the alert. 15. The method of claim 6, wherein:
the offer further requires that an amount of other consumers associated with a user of the consumer mobile device by a social graph be in the second geographic location to redeem the offer; and determining that the offer has been redeemed comprises determining that the amount of other consumers associated with the user of the consumer mobile device by the social graph are at the second geographic location. 16. A system, comprising:
one or more processors; memory storing instructions that when executed by at least some of the one or more processors effectuate operations comprising:
obtaining data defining a multi-stage geolocated offer;
sending the multi-stage geolocated offer to a consumer mobile device, the consumers mobile device executing an offers application, the multi-stage geolocated offer being configured to cause the offers application to present an alert with the consumer mobile device after the consumer mobile device is in a first geographic location, the multi-stage geolocated offer being redeemable based on the consumer mobile device being in a second geographic location;
receiving an indication that the consumer mobile device is in the second geographic location; and
in response to the indication that the consumer mobile device is in the second geographic location, determining, with a processor, that the multi-stage geolocated offer has been redeemed. 17. The system of claim 16, wherein:
obtaining data defining a multi-stage geolocated offer comprises obtaining data defining a plurality of multi-stage geolocated offers from a plurality of merchants, wherein the data is obtained by a publisher in an affiliate network. 18. The system of claim 16, wherein:
the indication that the consumer mobile device is in the second geographic location is received from the consumer mobile device; and the second geographic location is defined based on the range of a wireless transmitter at the second geographic location. 19. The system of claim 16, wherein the second geographic location is inside a negative space of the first geographic location such that the second geographic location does not overlap the first geographic location. 20. The system of claim 16, wherein sending the multi-stage geolocated offer to a consumer mobile device comprises:
receiving a request for geolocated offers in a third geographic location containing a current geographic location of the consumer mobile device; and sending a plurality of geolocated offers to the consumer mobile device, the plurality of geolocated offers including the multi-stage geolocated offer and other offers in the third geographic location. 21. The system of claim 16, wherein:
the first geographic location is defined by a geofence specified by geographic coordinates; the second geographic location is defined by a range of one or more wireless beacons; and redeeming the offer comprises entering a consumer in game of chance. | Provided is a process of managing offers, the process including: obtaining, via a network, with a consumer mobile device, data defining an offer available based on the consumer mobile device being in a first geographic location and redeemable based on the consumer mobile device later being in a second geographic location; sensing, with the consumer mobile device, that the consumer mobile device is in the first geographic location; in response to sensing that that the consumer mobile device is in the first geographic location, presenting an alert with the consumer mobile device, the alert indicating that the offer is available; sensing that the consumer mobile device is in the second geographic location; and in response to sensing that the consumer mobile device is in the second geographic location, determining with a processor of the consumer mobile device that the offer has been redeemed.1. A method of programmatically administering a game of chance by interfacing an offer distribution system with a consumer mobile device to enter a consumer in the game of chance in exchange for the consumer moving from a mall to a store in the mall seeking consumer visits, the consumer mobile device presenting an alert describing the game of chance in response to detecting that the consumer is in a geofence corresponding to the mall, and the consumer mobile device causing the consumer to be entered in the game of chance in response to detecting that the consumer is within wireless range of a transmitter at the store, the method comprising:
obtaining data defining a multi-stage geolocated offer specifying one or more rewards to be conferred on consumers in exchange for the respective consumers moving from an alert geographic location to a reward geographic location,
wherein the alert geographic location is specified by a geofence defined with one or more geographic coordinates and is a geographic area smaller than 1,000 square kilometers that contains the reward geographic location;
wherein the reward geographic location corresponds to at least a portion of a physical site of a merchant and is specified by an identifier that is encoded in a wireless transmission by a wireless transmitter at the physical site of the merchant, and
wherein the one or more rewards include entry into a game of chance;
sending a consumer mobile device the multi-stage geolocated offer and instructions to alert a consumer to the multi-stage geolocated offer in response to the consumer mobile device detecting that the consumer mobile device is within the alert geographic location; sending the consumer mobile device instructions to perform steps comprising:
detecting when the consumer mobile device wirelessly receives the identifier that is encoded in the wireless transmission by the wireless transmitter at the physical site of the merchant, and
in response to detecting the identifier, sending an indication that the consumer is within the reward geographic location;
receiving an indication that the consumer is within the reward geographic location; determining, with a processor, based on the received indication that the consumer is within the reward geographic location, that the consumer qualifies for entry in the game of chance; and storing in memory data qualifying the consumer for the reward. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein:
the alert geographic location corresponds to a boundary of a mall; the reward geographic location is a store in the mall; and alerting the consumer to the multi-stage offer comprises displaying a message on a display screen of the consumer mobile device indicating that the consumer will receive one or more of the one or more rewards in exchange for visiting the store. 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the alert geographic location is comprised of one or more geographic locations which encompass an entrance or exit of a mall. 4. The method of claim 1, wherein:
the alert geographic location is defined by a geofence to which the consumer mobile device is instructed to compare geographic coordinates of the consumer mobile device obtained based on wireless signals received by the consumer mobile device, wherein the geofence includes an interior negative area in which consumers are not alerted to the multi-stage geofenced offer, and wherein the reward geographic location is in the interior negative area; and the identifier that is encoded in the wireless transmission by the wireless transmitter at the physical site of the merchant is a value encoded in a wireless beacon transmitting at the physical site of the merchant. 5. The method of claim 1, wherein after receiving an indication that the consumer is within the reward geographic location, sending the consumer mobile device an offer redeemable at the reward geographic location. 6. A method of managing offers, the method comprising:
obtaining, via a network, with a consumer mobile device, data defining an offer available based on the consumer mobile device being in a first geographic location and redeemable based on the consumer mobile device later being in a second geographic location; sensing, with the consumer mobile device, that the consumer mobile device is in the first geographic location; in response to sensing that that the consumer mobile device is in the first geographic location, presenting an alert with the consumer mobile device, the alert indicating that the offer is available; sensing that the consumer mobile device is in the second geographic location; in response to sensing that the consumer mobile device is in the second geographic location, determining with a processor of the consumer mobile device that the offer has been redeemed. 7. The method of claim 6, wherein:
the offer comprises entry into a game of chance in exchange for the consumer mobile device detecting the presence of the consumer mobile device at the second geographic location, wherein the second geographic location corresponds to a store of a merchant. 8. The method of claim 6, wherein the first geographic location is specified by a geofence defined by one or more latitude and longitude coordinates. 9. The method of claim 6, wherein the second geographic location is specified by a value transmitted by a wireless beacon at the second geographic location. 10. The method of claim 6, wherein obtaining the data defining the offer comprises:
sensing, with the consumer mobile device, a current geographic location of the consumer mobile device; requesting, with the consumer mobile device, offers specifying geographic locations including the current geographic location and offers specifying geographic locations near the current geographic location; receiving data defining a plurality of offers responsive to the request; and storing the data defining the plurality of offers in memory of the consumer mobile device. 11. The method of claim 6, comprising:
after determining that the offer has been redeemed, receiving with the consumer mobile device, data defining another offer redeemable based on the consumer mobile device later being in a third geographic location. 12. The method of claim 6, comprising:
after determining that the offer has been redeemed, incrementing a count of redemptions of the offer; determining that the count qualifies the consumer for a reward; and displaying an indication with the consumer mobile device that the consumer qualifies for the reward. 13. The method of claim 6, wherein sensing that the consumer mobile device is in the second geographic location comprises:
detecting a wirelessly transmitted value at the second geographic location with the consumer mobile device; or detecting a wirelessly transmitted value transmitted from the consumer mobile device with a merchant computing device. 14. The method of claim 6, wherein presenting an alert with the consumer mobile device comprises sending a message from the consumer mobile device to a wearable computing device to present the alert. 15. The method of claim 6, wherein:
the offer further requires that an amount of other consumers associated with a user of the consumer mobile device by a social graph be in the second geographic location to redeem the offer; and determining that the offer has been redeemed comprises determining that the amount of other consumers associated with the user of the consumer mobile device by the social graph are at the second geographic location. 16. A system, comprising:
one or more processors; memory storing instructions that when executed by at least some of the one or more processors effectuate operations comprising:
obtaining data defining a multi-stage geolocated offer;
sending the multi-stage geolocated offer to a consumer mobile device, the consumers mobile device executing an offers application, the multi-stage geolocated offer being configured to cause the offers application to present an alert with the consumer mobile device after the consumer mobile device is in a first geographic location, the multi-stage geolocated offer being redeemable based on the consumer mobile device being in a second geographic location;
receiving an indication that the consumer mobile device is in the second geographic location; and
in response to the indication that the consumer mobile device is in the second geographic location, determining, with a processor, that the multi-stage geolocated offer has been redeemed. 17. The system of claim 16, wherein:
obtaining data defining a multi-stage geolocated offer comprises obtaining data defining a plurality of multi-stage geolocated offers from a plurality of merchants, wherein the data is obtained by a publisher in an affiliate network. 18. The system of claim 16, wherein:
the indication that the consumer mobile device is in the second geographic location is received from the consumer mobile device; and the second geographic location is defined based on the range of a wireless transmitter at the second geographic location. 19. The system of claim 16, wherein the second geographic location is inside a negative space of the first geographic location such that the second geographic location does not overlap the first geographic location. 20. The system of claim 16, wherein sending the multi-stage geolocated offer to a consumer mobile device comprises:
receiving a request for geolocated offers in a third geographic location containing a current geographic location of the consumer mobile device; and sending a plurality of geolocated offers to the consumer mobile device, the plurality of geolocated offers including the multi-stage geolocated offer and other offers in the third geographic location. 21. The system of claim 16, wherein:
the first geographic location is defined by a geofence specified by geographic coordinates; the second geographic location is defined by a range of one or more wireless beacons; and redeeming the offer comprises entering a consumer in game of chance. | 3,600 |
12,718 | 12,718 | 13,842,944 | 3,625 | Consumer safety of repaired vehicles can be improved by providing systems and methods for generating vehicle repair estimate reports based on predictive estimating and transmitting these reports to clients. A master server serviced by a vehicle manufacturer generates a vehicle repair estimate report based on predictive estimating and transmits this report to a client via a web-based graphical user interface. Also, a master server serviced by a vehicle manufacturer generates a vehicle repair estimate report based on predictive estimating and transmits this report to a client via a vehicle repair claims management user interface. The vehicle repair estimate report based on predictive estimating may comprise repair packages and repair information relating to recommended replacement parts and quantities thereof, the part numbers for the suggested replacement parts, the price estimate for the suggested replacement parts, manufacturer-recommended repair instructions, and other relevant information. | 1. A method for generating a vehicle repair report based on predictive estimating, and transmitting said report to a client, comprising the steps of:
(a) providing, using at least one master server, a graphical user interface to said client; (b) requesting, using said at least one master server, vehicle identification information from said client via said graphical user interface; (c) receiving, using said at least one master server, said vehicle identification information from said client via said graphical user interface; (d) validating, using said at least one master server and at least one database, said vehicle identification information; (e) generating, using said at least one master server and said at least one database, a listing of major vehicle parts associated with said vehicle identification information; (f) transmitting, using said at least one master server, to said client via said graphical user interface said listing of major vehicle parts associated with said vehicle identification information; (g) requesting, using said at least one master server, said client to select a major vehicle part from said listing, via said graphical user interface; (h) receiving, using said at least one master server, said selected major vehicle part from said client, via said graphical user interface; (i) retrieving, using said at least one master server and said at least one database, stored relevant vehicle repair information relating to said selected major vehicle part; (j) generating, using said at least one master server and said at least one database, said vehicle repair estimate report based on predictive estimating, wherein said report comprises repair packages and corresponding vehicle repair information; (k) transmitting, using said at least one master server, said report to said client via said graphical user interface; and (l) providing, using said at least one master server, said client an option to request for removal at least one vehicle part from said report via said graphical user interface, and if said at least one master server receives from said client said request to remove said at least one vehicle part, then generating, using said at least one master server and said at least one database, an updated vehicle repair estimate report based on predictive estimating removing said at least one vehicle part, and transmitting, using said at least one master sever, said updated report to said client via said graphical user interface. 2. The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of:
repeating steps (g) through (l) to provide said client an option to add another major vehicle part from said listing to said report or to said updated report. 3. The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of:
providing, using said at least one master server, said client an option to request for purchase at least one vehicle part from said report or from said updated report, via said graphical user interface. 4. The method of claim 3, further comprising the step of:
receiving, using said at least one master server, from said client said purchase request via said graphical user interface. 5. The method of claim 4, further comprising the step of:
transmitting, using said at least one master server, said purchase request to at least one billing center and at least one parts fulfillment center for fulfillment of said purchase request. 6. A method for generating a vehicle repair report based on predictive estimating, and transmitting said report to a client via a vehicle repair claims management user interface, comprising the steps of:
(a) requesting, using said at least one master server, vehicle identification information from said client via said vehicle repair claims management user interface; (b) receiving, using said at least one master server, said vehicle identification information from said client via said vehicle repair claims management user interface; (c) validating, using said at least one master server and at least one database, said vehicle identification information; (d) generating, using said at least one master server and said at least one database, a listing of major vehicle parts associated with said vehicle identification information; (e) transmitting, using said at least one master server, to said client via said vehicle repair claims management user interface said listing of major vehicle parts associated with said vehicle identification information; (f) requesting, using said at least one master server, said client to select a major vehicle part from said listing, via said vehicle repair claims management user interface; (g) receiving, using said at least one master server, said selected major vehicle part from said client, via said vehicle repair claims management user interface; (h) retrieving, using said at least one master server and said at least one database, stored relevant vehicle repair information relating to said selected major vehicle part; (i) generating, using said at least one master server and said at least one database, said vehicle repair estimate report based on predictive estimating, wherein said report comprises repair packages and corresponding vehicle repair information; (j) transmitting, using said at least one master server, said report to said client via said vehicle repair claims management user interface; and (k) providing, using said at least one master server, said client an option to request for removal at least one vehicle part from said report via said vehicle repair claims management user interface, and if said at least one master server receives from said client said request to remove said at least one vehicle part, then generating, using said at least one master server and said at least one database, an updated vehicle repair estimate report based on predictive estimating removing said at least one vehicle part, and transmitting, using said at least one master sever, said updated report to said client via said vehicle repair claims management user interface. 7. The method of claim 6, further comprising the step of:
repeating steps (f) through (k) to provide said client an option to add another major vehicle part from said listing to said report or to said updated report. 8. The method of claim 6, further comprising the step of:
providing, using said at least one master server, said client an option to request for purchase at least one vehicle part from said report or from said updated report, via said vehicle repair claims management user interface. 9. The method of claim 8, further comprising the step of:
receiving, using said at least one master server, from said client said purchase request via said vehicle repair claims management user interface. 10. The method of claim 9, further comprising the step of:
transmitting, using said at least one master server, said purchase request to at least one billing center and at least one parts fulfillment center for fulfillment of said purchase request. 11. A method for generating vehicle manufacturer-recommended vehicle repair information, and transmitting said information to a client, comprising the steps of:
(a) providing, using at least one master server, a graphical user interface to said client; (b) requesting, using said at least one master server, vehicle identification information from said client via said graphical user interface; (c) receiving, using said at least one master server, said vehicle identification information from said client via said graphical user interface; (d) validating, using said at least one master server and at least one database, said vehicle identification information; (e) generating, using said at least one master server and said at least one database, a listing of major vehicle parts associated with said vehicle identification information; (f) transmitting, using said at least one master server, to said client via said graphical user interface said listing of major vehicle parts associated with said vehicle identification information; (g) requesting, using said at least one master server, said client to select a major vehicle part from said listing, via said graphical user interface; (h) receiving, using said at least one master server, said selected major vehicle part from said client, via said graphical user interface; (i) retrieving, using said at least one master server and said at least one database, stored relevant vehicle manufacturer-recommended vehicle repair information relating to said selected major vehicle part; (j) generating, using said at least one master server and said at least one database, said vehicle manufacturer-recommended vehicle repair information, wherein said information comprises vehicle manufacturer-recommended information relating to suggested parts to be replaced and quantities thereof, suggested prices for suggested replacement parts, part numbers for suggested replacement parts, identification of one-time use vehicle parts, and repair instructions; and (k) transmitting, using said at least one master server, said information to said client via said graphical user interface. 12. The method of claim 11, further comprising the step of:
repeating steps (g) through (k) to provide said client an option to select an additional major vehicle part from said listing in order to obtain vehicle manufacturer-recommended vehicle repair information corresponding to said selected additional major vehicle part. 13. The method of claim 11, further comprising the step of:
providing, using said at least one master server, said client an option to request for purchase at least one vehicle part from said vehicle manufacturer-recommended vehicle repair information, via said graphical user interface. 14. The method of claim 13, further comprising the step of:
receiving, using said at least one master server, from said client said purchase request via said graphical user interface. 15. The method of claim 14, further comprising the step of:
transmitting, using said at least one master server, said purchase request to at least one billing center and at least one parts fulfillment center for fulfillment of said purchase request. 16. A method for generating vehicle manufacturer-recommended vehicle repair information, and transmitting said information to a client via a vehicle repair claims management user interface, comprising the steps of:
(a) requesting, using said at least one master server, vehicle identification information from said client via said vehicle repair claims management user interface; (b) receiving, using said at least one master server, said vehicle identification information from said client via said vehicle repair claims management user interface; (c) validating, using said at least one master server and at least one database, said vehicle identification information; (d) generating, using said at least one master server and said at least one database, a listing of major vehicle parts associated with said vehicle identification information; (e) transmitting, using said at least one master server, to said client via said vehicle repair claims management user interface said listing of major vehicle parts associated with said vehicle identification information; (f) requesting, using said at least one master server, said client to select a major vehicle part from said listing, via said vehicle repair claims management user interface; (g) receiving, using said at least one master server, said selected major vehicle part from said client, via said vehicle repair claims management user interface; (h) retrieving, using said at least one master server and said at least one database, stored relevant vehicle manufacturer-recommended vehicle repair information relating to said selected major vehicle part; (i) generating, using said at least one master server and said at least one database, said vehicle manufacturer-recommended vehicle repair information, wherein said information comprises vehicle manufacturer-recommended information relating to suggested parts to be replaced and quantities thereof, suggested prices for suggested replacement parts, part numbers for suggested replacement parts, identification of one-time use vehicle parts, and repair instructions; and (j) transmitting, using said at least one master server, said information to said client via said vehicle repair claims management user interface. 17. The method of claim 16, further comprising the step of:
repeating steps (f) through (j) to provide said client an option to select an additional major vehicle part from said listing in order to obtain vehicle manufacturer-recommended vehicle repair information corresponding to said selected additional major vehicle part. 18. The method of claim 16, further comprising the step of:
providing, using said at least one master server, said client an option to request for purchase at least one vehicle part from said vehicle manufacturer-recommended vehicle repair information, via said vehicle repair claims management user interface. 19. The method of claim 18, further comprising the step of:
receiving, using said at least one master server, from said client said purchase request via said vehicle repair claims management user interface. 20. The method of claim 19, further comprising the step of:
transmitting, using said at least one master server, said purchase request to at least one billing center and at least one parts fulfillment center for fulfillment of said purchase request. | Consumer safety of repaired vehicles can be improved by providing systems and methods for generating vehicle repair estimate reports based on predictive estimating and transmitting these reports to clients. A master server serviced by a vehicle manufacturer generates a vehicle repair estimate report based on predictive estimating and transmits this report to a client via a web-based graphical user interface. Also, a master server serviced by a vehicle manufacturer generates a vehicle repair estimate report based on predictive estimating and transmits this report to a client via a vehicle repair claims management user interface. The vehicle repair estimate report based on predictive estimating may comprise repair packages and repair information relating to recommended replacement parts and quantities thereof, the part numbers for the suggested replacement parts, the price estimate for the suggested replacement parts, manufacturer-recommended repair instructions, and other relevant information.1. A method for generating a vehicle repair report based on predictive estimating, and transmitting said report to a client, comprising the steps of:
(a) providing, using at least one master server, a graphical user interface to said client; (b) requesting, using said at least one master server, vehicle identification information from said client via said graphical user interface; (c) receiving, using said at least one master server, said vehicle identification information from said client via said graphical user interface; (d) validating, using said at least one master server and at least one database, said vehicle identification information; (e) generating, using said at least one master server and said at least one database, a listing of major vehicle parts associated with said vehicle identification information; (f) transmitting, using said at least one master server, to said client via said graphical user interface said listing of major vehicle parts associated with said vehicle identification information; (g) requesting, using said at least one master server, said client to select a major vehicle part from said listing, via said graphical user interface; (h) receiving, using said at least one master server, said selected major vehicle part from said client, via said graphical user interface; (i) retrieving, using said at least one master server and said at least one database, stored relevant vehicle repair information relating to said selected major vehicle part; (j) generating, using said at least one master server and said at least one database, said vehicle repair estimate report based on predictive estimating, wherein said report comprises repair packages and corresponding vehicle repair information; (k) transmitting, using said at least one master server, said report to said client via said graphical user interface; and (l) providing, using said at least one master server, said client an option to request for removal at least one vehicle part from said report via said graphical user interface, and if said at least one master server receives from said client said request to remove said at least one vehicle part, then generating, using said at least one master server and said at least one database, an updated vehicle repair estimate report based on predictive estimating removing said at least one vehicle part, and transmitting, using said at least one master sever, said updated report to said client via said graphical user interface. 2. The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of:
repeating steps (g) through (l) to provide said client an option to add another major vehicle part from said listing to said report or to said updated report. 3. The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of:
providing, using said at least one master server, said client an option to request for purchase at least one vehicle part from said report or from said updated report, via said graphical user interface. 4. The method of claim 3, further comprising the step of:
receiving, using said at least one master server, from said client said purchase request via said graphical user interface. 5. The method of claim 4, further comprising the step of:
transmitting, using said at least one master server, said purchase request to at least one billing center and at least one parts fulfillment center for fulfillment of said purchase request. 6. A method for generating a vehicle repair report based on predictive estimating, and transmitting said report to a client via a vehicle repair claims management user interface, comprising the steps of:
(a) requesting, using said at least one master server, vehicle identification information from said client via said vehicle repair claims management user interface; (b) receiving, using said at least one master server, said vehicle identification information from said client via said vehicle repair claims management user interface; (c) validating, using said at least one master server and at least one database, said vehicle identification information; (d) generating, using said at least one master server and said at least one database, a listing of major vehicle parts associated with said vehicle identification information; (e) transmitting, using said at least one master server, to said client via said vehicle repair claims management user interface said listing of major vehicle parts associated with said vehicle identification information; (f) requesting, using said at least one master server, said client to select a major vehicle part from said listing, via said vehicle repair claims management user interface; (g) receiving, using said at least one master server, said selected major vehicle part from said client, via said vehicle repair claims management user interface; (h) retrieving, using said at least one master server and said at least one database, stored relevant vehicle repair information relating to said selected major vehicle part; (i) generating, using said at least one master server and said at least one database, said vehicle repair estimate report based on predictive estimating, wherein said report comprises repair packages and corresponding vehicle repair information; (j) transmitting, using said at least one master server, said report to said client via said vehicle repair claims management user interface; and (k) providing, using said at least one master server, said client an option to request for removal at least one vehicle part from said report via said vehicle repair claims management user interface, and if said at least one master server receives from said client said request to remove said at least one vehicle part, then generating, using said at least one master server and said at least one database, an updated vehicle repair estimate report based on predictive estimating removing said at least one vehicle part, and transmitting, using said at least one master sever, said updated report to said client via said vehicle repair claims management user interface. 7. The method of claim 6, further comprising the step of:
repeating steps (f) through (k) to provide said client an option to add another major vehicle part from said listing to said report or to said updated report. 8. The method of claim 6, further comprising the step of:
providing, using said at least one master server, said client an option to request for purchase at least one vehicle part from said report or from said updated report, via said vehicle repair claims management user interface. 9. The method of claim 8, further comprising the step of:
receiving, using said at least one master server, from said client said purchase request via said vehicle repair claims management user interface. 10. The method of claim 9, further comprising the step of:
transmitting, using said at least one master server, said purchase request to at least one billing center and at least one parts fulfillment center for fulfillment of said purchase request. 11. A method for generating vehicle manufacturer-recommended vehicle repair information, and transmitting said information to a client, comprising the steps of:
(a) providing, using at least one master server, a graphical user interface to said client; (b) requesting, using said at least one master server, vehicle identification information from said client via said graphical user interface; (c) receiving, using said at least one master server, said vehicle identification information from said client via said graphical user interface; (d) validating, using said at least one master server and at least one database, said vehicle identification information; (e) generating, using said at least one master server and said at least one database, a listing of major vehicle parts associated with said vehicle identification information; (f) transmitting, using said at least one master server, to said client via said graphical user interface said listing of major vehicle parts associated with said vehicle identification information; (g) requesting, using said at least one master server, said client to select a major vehicle part from said listing, via said graphical user interface; (h) receiving, using said at least one master server, said selected major vehicle part from said client, via said graphical user interface; (i) retrieving, using said at least one master server and said at least one database, stored relevant vehicle manufacturer-recommended vehicle repair information relating to said selected major vehicle part; (j) generating, using said at least one master server and said at least one database, said vehicle manufacturer-recommended vehicle repair information, wherein said information comprises vehicle manufacturer-recommended information relating to suggested parts to be replaced and quantities thereof, suggested prices for suggested replacement parts, part numbers for suggested replacement parts, identification of one-time use vehicle parts, and repair instructions; and (k) transmitting, using said at least one master server, said information to said client via said graphical user interface. 12. The method of claim 11, further comprising the step of:
repeating steps (g) through (k) to provide said client an option to select an additional major vehicle part from said listing in order to obtain vehicle manufacturer-recommended vehicle repair information corresponding to said selected additional major vehicle part. 13. The method of claim 11, further comprising the step of:
providing, using said at least one master server, said client an option to request for purchase at least one vehicle part from said vehicle manufacturer-recommended vehicle repair information, via said graphical user interface. 14. The method of claim 13, further comprising the step of:
receiving, using said at least one master server, from said client said purchase request via said graphical user interface. 15. The method of claim 14, further comprising the step of:
transmitting, using said at least one master server, said purchase request to at least one billing center and at least one parts fulfillment center for fulfillment of said purchase request. 16. A method for generating vehicle manufacturer-recommended vehicle repair information, and transmitting said information to a client via a vehicle repair claims management user interface, comprising the steps of:
(a) requesting, using said at least one master server, vehicle identification information from said client via said vehicle repair claims management user interface; (b) receiving, using said at least one master server, said vehicle identification information from said client via said vehicle repair claims management user interface; (c) validating, using said at least one master server and at least one database, said vehicle identification information; (d) generating, using said at least one master server and said at least one database, a listing of major vehicle parts associated with said vehicle identification information; (e) transmitting, using said at least one master server, to said client via said vehicle repair claims management user interface said listing of major vehicle parts associated with said vehicle identification information; (f) requesting, using said at least one master server, said client to select a major vehicle part from said listing, via said vehicle repair claims management user interface; (g) receiving, using said at least one master server, said selected major vehicle part from said client, via said vehicle repair claims management user interface; (h) retrieving, using said at least one master server and said at least one database, stored relevant vehicle manufacturer-recommended vehicle repair information relating to said selected major vehicle part; (i) generating, using said at least one master server and said at least one database, said vehicle manufacturer-recommended vehicle repair information, wherein said information comprises vehicle manufacturer-recommended information relating to suggested parts to be replaced and quantities thereof, suggested prices for suggested replacement parts, part numbers for suggested replacement parts, identification of one-time use vehicle parts, and repair instructions; and (j) transmitting, using said at least one master server, said information to said client via said vehicle repair claims management user interface. 17. The method of claim 16, further comprising the step of:
repeating steps (f) through (j) to provide said client an option to select an additional major vehicle part from said listing in order to obtain vehicle manufacturer-recommended vehicle repair information corresponding to said selected additional major vehicle part. 18. The method of claim 16, further comprising the step of:
providing, using said at least one master server, said client an option to request for purchase at least one vehicle part from said vehicle manufacturer-recommended vehicle repair information, via said vehicle repair claims management user interface. 19. The method of claim 18, further comprising the step of:
receiving, using said at least one master server, from said client said purchase request via said vehicle repair claims management user interface. 20. The method of claim 19, further comprising the step of:
transmitting, using said at least one master server, said purchase request to at least one billing center and at least one parts fulfillment center for fulfillment of said purchase request. | 3,600 |
12,719 | 12,719 | 12,791,208 | 3,626 | In a method and system of controlling patient care logistics, a computer determines for each of a number of user devices a unique priority sorted list of queue tasks on the basis of global criterion. Each user device is dispatched the unique priority sorted list of queue tasks determined for the user device. In response to receiving a change in at least one global criterion, the computer determines for each user device either an amendment to the unique priority sorted list of queue tasks for the user of the user device or a new unique priority sorted list of queue tasks for the user of the user device, and then dispatches the unique priority sorted list of queue to the user device. | 1. A method of controlling patient care logistics comprising:
(a) providing a programmed computer; (b) providing a plurality of user devices in operative communication with the computer; (c) causing the computer to determine for each user device a unique priority sorted list of queue tasks for the user of said user device, wherein each unique priority sorted list of queue tasks is determined on the basis of criterion that affect the determination of the priority sorted lists of queue tasks for the plurality of user devices; (d) dispatching to each user device the unique priority sorted list of queue tasks determined for said user device in step (c); (e) the computer receiving a change in at least one criterion; (f) causing the computer to determine for each user device on the basis of the change received in step (e) either an amendment to the unique priority sorted list of queue tasks for the user of said user device determined in step (c) or a new unique priority sorted list of queue tasks for the user of said user device; and (g) dispatching to each user device the unique priority sorted list of queue tasks determined for said user device in step (f). 2. The method of claim 1, further including repeating steps (e)-(g). 3. The method of claim 1, further including the computer responsive to user activation of a first one of the user devices for causing said first user device to be coupled in communication with a second one of the user devices. 4. The method of claim 3, wherein the first and second user devices are coupled in wireless communication with each other. 5. The method of claim 3, wherein the computer determines the second user device to connect in communication with the first user device based on a role of a user of the second user device. 6. The method of claim 1, wherein the change in the at least one criterion includes a change in at least one of the following: physician's order, patient diagnosis, patient treatment plan, patient wait time, staffing level; care load; patient census; patient acuity; patient flow; patient present rate; bed availability; task assignment; task completion; caregiver skills; patient priority needs; a location of an object; time of day; day of the week; local weather; disease progression; and an emergency condition. 7. The method of claim 1, wherein the change in the at least one criterion originates at one of the following: one of the user devices; a passive measurement device; an active measurement device; or another computer. 8. A patient care logistics control system comprising:
a logistics software program; a server computer operating under the control of the logistics software program for sequentially determining plural sets of priority sorted lists of queue tasks, wherein each set of priority sorted lists of queue tasks is determined in response to a change in at least one criterion used for determining the priority sorted lists of queue tasks; a plurality of intelligent wireless user devices, each user device including a visual display; and a wireless network connecting the server computer and the user devices and operative for wirelessly delivering for display on the display of each user device for each set of priority sorted lists of queue tasks a unique one of the priority sorted list of queue tasks on the basis of the user assigned to the user device or a role of a user assigned to the user device. 9. The patient care logistics control system of claim 8, wherein the wireless network comprises radio transceivers associated with the user devices and the server computer. 10. The patient care logistics control system of claim 8, wherein the server computer causes the wireless network to couple two user devices in communication. 11. The patient care logistics control system of claim 8, wherein the change in at least one criterion originates at one of the following: at the server computer; one of the user devices; a passive measurement device; an active measurement device; or another computer. 12. The patient care logistics control system of claim 8, wherein the criterion used for determining the priority sorted lists of queue tasks includes at least one of the following: staffmg level; caregiver patient load; patient census; patient acuity; patient flow; patient present rate; bed availability; caregiver task assignment; caregiver task completion; caregiver skills; patient priority needs; a location of an object; time of day; day of week; local weather; disease progression; or an emergency condition. 13. The patient care logistics control system of claim 8, wherein each priority sorted list of queue tasks is wirelessly delivered to its user device in real-time. 14. The patient care logistics control system of claim 8, wherein the plural sets of priority sorted lists of queue tasks is determined based on plural service queue models included in the logistics software program, wherein each service queue model includes tasks to be performed by a caregiver on or for the benefit of at least one patient. 15. The patient care logistics control system of claim 8, wherein two priority sorted lists of queue tasks delivered to one user device includes a change in a priority of at least one task. 16. A method of controlling patient care logistics comprising:
(a) providing a programmed computer; (b) providing a plurality of user devices in operative communication with the computer; (c) modeling on the programmed computer patient care as a multitude of queue tasks to be performed by a plurality of users, wherein each user has an associated role and carries a user device; (d) receiving modeling criterion via one of the following: one of the user devices; a passive measurement device; an active measurement device; or another computer; (e) causing the computer to run logistics management software to determine for each user device a unique priority sorted list of queue tasks for the user of said user device based on the patient care model, wherein each unique priority sorted list of queue tasks is determined on the basis of the modeling criterion; (f) dispatching to each user device the unique priority sorted list of queue tasks determined for said user device in step (e); (g) the computer receiving a change in at least one criterion; (h) causing the computer to run the logistics management software to determine for each user device on the basis of the change received in step (g) either an amendment to the unique priority sorted list of queue tasks for the user of said user device determined in step (e) or a new unique priority sorted list of queue tasks for the user of said user device; and (i) dispatching to each user device the unique priority sorted list of queue tasks determined for said user device in step (h). 17. The method of claim 16, further including the computer responsive to user activation of a first user device for causing said first user device to be coupled in communication with a second user device. 18. The method of claim 17, wherein the first and second user devices are coupled in wireless communication with each other. 19. The method of claim 17, further comprising:
(j) assigning the role of a user to the user device of said user; wherein the computer determines the second user device to connect in communication with the first user device based on the role of a user of the second user device. 20. The method of claim 16, wherein the change in the at least one criterion includes a change in at least one of the following: physician's order, patient diagnosis, patient treatment plan, patient wait time, staffing level; care load; patient census; patient acuity; patient flow;
patient present rate; bed availability; task assignment; task completion; caregiver skills; patient priority needs; a location of an object; time of day; day of the week; local weather; disease progression; and an emergency condition. 21. The method of claim 16, wherein the change in the at least one criterion originates at one of the following: one of the user devices; a passive measurement device; an active measurement device; or another computer. 22. The method of claim 19, further comprising:
(k) defining for a patient a set of roles based on the requested patient care; (l) linking in a database the patient to one or more user devices on the basis of the set of roles; (m) initiating an activity for said patient resulting in one or more queue tasks for one or more roles; (n) causing the computer to run the logistics management software to determine for each user device on the basis of the one or more queue tasks generated in step (m) either an amendment to the unique priority sorted list of queue tasks for the user of said user device determined in step (e) or step (h) or a new unique priority sorted list of queue tasks for the user of said user device; (o) receiving criterion indicating that examination results of said patient have been made available in the programmed computer; (p) determining a first user device having a queue task associated with said examination results; and (q) instructing the first user device determined in (p) to inform the user that the test results have been made available. 23. The method of claim 22, wherein the computer determines a second user device to connect in communication with the first user device based on a role of a user of the second user device. 24. A patient care logistics control system comprising:
a logistics software program; a plurality of intelligent wireless user devices, each user device including a visual display; a server computer configured to model patient care as a multitude of queue tasks to be performed by a plurality of users, wherein each user has an associated role and carries a user device, the server computer further configured for receiving criterion via one of the following: one of the user devices; a passive measurement device; an active measurement device; or another computer, wherein the server computer is operating under the control of the logistics software program for sequentially determining plural sets of priority sorted lists of queue tasks for the user a user device based on the patient care model, wherein each set of priority sorted lists of queue tasks is determined on the basis of the criterion; and a wireless network connecting the server computer and the user devices and operative for wirelessly delivering for display on the display of each user device for each set of priority sorted lists of queue tasks a unique one of the priority sorted list of queue tasks on the basis of the user assigned to the user device or a role of a user assigned to the user device. 25. The patient care logistics control system of claim 24, wherein the server computer is configured to assign a role of a user to the user device of said user and to causes the wireless network to couple two user devices in communication based on the roles of at least one said user associated with said user devices. 26. The patient care logistics control system of claim 24, wherein the change in at least one criterion originates at one of the following: at the server computer; one of the user devices; a passive measurement device; an active measurement device; or another computer. 27. The patient care logistics control system of claim 24, wherein the criterion used for determining the priority sorted lists of queue tasks includes at least one of the following: physician's order, patient diagnosis, patient treatment plan, patient wait time, staffing level; care load; patient census; patient acuity; patient flow; patient present rate; bed availability; task assignment; task completion; caregiver skills; patient priority needs; a location of an object; time of day; day of the week; local weather; disease progression; and an emergency condition. 28. The patient care logistics control system of claim 24, wherein each priority sorted list of queue tasks is wirelessly delivered to its user device in real-time. 29. The patient care logistics control system of claim 24, wherein the plural sets of priority sorted lists of queue tasks is determined based on plural service queue models available to the logistics software program, wherein each service queue model represents tasks to be performed by a caregiver on or for the benefit of at least one patient. 30. The patient care logistics control system of claim 24, wherein two priority sorted lists of queue tasks delivered to one user device includes a change in a priority of at least one task. 31. The patient care logistics control system of claim 26, wherein the server computer comprises a processor, and memory with data, and instructions stored therein so that the computer can execute a predetermined program wherein the program is arranged to enable the processor:
to define for a patient a set of roles based on the requested patient care; to link in a database the patient to one or more user devices on the basis of the set of roles; to initiate an examination for said patient resulting in one or more queue tasks for one or more roles; to cause the computer to run the logistics management software to determine for each user device on the basis of the one or more queue tasks generated either an amendment to the unique priority sorted list of queue tasks for the user of said user device or a new unique priority sorted list of queue tasks for the user of said user device; to receive the criterion indicating that examination results of said patient have been made available in the programmed computer; to determine a first user device having a queue task associated with said examination results; and, to instruct the first user device determined to inform the user that the test results have been made available and wherein the first user device is configured to inform the user in response to the instruction generated by the server computer. 32. The patient care logistics control system of claim 31, wherein the program is further arranged to determine a second user device to connect in communication with the first user device based on a role of a user of the second user device accessible to the computer, and to transmit an identification information associated with the second user device to the first user device, wherein the first user device is configured to receive the identification information associated with the second user device and to connect with the second user device based on said identification information. | In a method and system of controlling patient care logistics, a computer determines for each of a number of user devices a unique priority sorted list of queue tasks on the basis of global criterion. Each user device is dispatched the unique priority sorted list of queue tasks determined for the user device. In response to receiving a change in at least one global criterion, the computer determines for each user device either an amendment to the unique priority sorted list of queue tasks for the user of the user device or a new unique priority sorted list of queue tasks for the user of the user device, and then dispatches the unique priority sorted list of queue to the user device.1. A method of controlling patient care logistics comprising:
(a) providing a programmed computer; (b) providing a plurality of user devices in operative communication with the computer; (c) causing the computer to determine for each user device a unique priority sorted list of queue tasks for the user of said user device, wherein each unique priority sorted list of queue tasks is determined on the basis of criterion that affect the determination of the priority sorted lists of queue tasks for the plurality of user devices; (d) dispatching to each user device the unique priority sorted list of queue tasks determined for said user device in step (c); (e) the computer receiving a change in at least one criterion; (f) causing the computer to determine for each user device on the basis of the change received in step (e) either an amendment to the unique priority sorted list of queue tasks for the user of said user device determined in step (c) or a new unique priority sorted list of queue tasks for the user of said user device; and (g) dispatching to each user device the unique priority sorted list of queue tasks determined for said user device in step (f). 2. The method of claim 1, further including repeating steps (e)-(g). 3. The method of claim 1, further including the computer responsive to user activation of a first one of the user devices for causing said first user device to be coupled in communication with a second one of the user devices. 4. The method of claim 3, wherein the first and second user devices are coupled in wireless communication with each other. 5. The method of claim 3, wherein the computer determines the second user device to connect in communication with the first user device based on a role of a user of the second user device. 6. The method of claim 1, wherein the change in the at least one criterion includes a change in at least one of the following: physician's order, patient diagnosis, patient treatment plan, patient wait time, staffing level; care load; patient census; patient acuity; patient flow; patient present rate; bed availability; task assignment; task completion; caregiver skills; patient priority needs; a location of an object; time of day; day of the week; local weather; disease progression; and an emergency condition. 7. The method of claim 1, wherein the change in the at least one criterion originates at one of the following: one of the user devices; a passive measurement device; an active measurement device; or another computer. 8. A patient care logistics control system comprising:
a logistics software program; a server computer operating under the control of the logistics software program for sequentially determining plural sets of priority sorted lists of queue tasks, wherein each set of priority sorted lists of queue tasks is determined in response to a change in at least one criterion used for determining the priority sorted lists of queue tasks; a plurality of intelligent wireless user devices, each user device including a visual display; and a wireless network connecting the server computer and the user devices and operative for wirelessly delivering for display on the display of each user device for each set of priority sorted lists of queue tasks a unique one of the priority sorted list of queue tasks on the basis of the user assigned to the user device or a role of a user assigned to the user device. 9. The patient care logistics control system of claim 8, wherein the wireless network comprises radio transceivers associated with the user devices and the server computer. 10. The patient care logistics control system of claim 8, wherein the server computer causes the wireless network to couple two user devices in communication. 11. The patient care logistics control system of claim 8, wherein the change in at least one criterion originates at one of the following: at the server computer; one of the user devices; a passive measurement device; an active measurement device; or another computer. 12. The patient care logistics control system of claim 8, wherein the criterion used for determining the priority sorted lists of queue tasks includes at least one of the following: staffmg level; caregiver patient load; patient census; patient acuity; patient flow; patient present rate; bed availability; caregiver task assignment; caregiver task completion; caregiver skills; patient priority needs; a location of an object; time of day; day of week; local weather; disease progression; or an emergency condition. 13. The patient care logistics control system of claim 8, wherein each priority sorted list of queue tasks is wirelessly delivered to its user device in real-time. 14. The patient care logistics control system of claim 8, wherein the plural sets of priority sorted lists of queue tasks is determined based on plural service queue models included in the logistics software program, wherein each service queue model includes tasks to be performed by a caregiver on or for the benefit of at least one patient. 15. The patient care logistics control system of claim 8, wherein two priority sorted lists of queue tasks delivered to one user device includes a change in a priority of at least one task. 16. A method of controlling patient care logistics comprising:
(a) providing a programmed computer; (b) providing a plurality of user devices in operative communication with the computer; (c) modeling on the programmed computer patient care as a multitude of queue tasks to be performed by a plurality of users, wherein each user has an associated role and carries a user device; (d) receiving modeling criterion via one of the following: one of the user devices; a passive measurement device; an active measurement device; or another computer; (e) causing the computer to run logistics management software to determine for each user device a unique priority sorted list of queue tasks for the user of said user device based on the patient care model, wherein each unique priority sorted list of queue tasks is determined on the basis of the modeling criterion; (f) dispatching to each user device the unique priority sorted list of queue tasks determined for said user device in step (e); (g) the computer receiving a change in at least one criterion; (h) causing the computer to run the logistics management software to determine for each user device on the basis of the change received in step (g) either an amendment to the unique priority sorted list of queue tasks for the user of said user device determined in step (e) or a new unique priority sorted list of queue tasks for the user of said user device; and (i) dispatching to each user device the unique priority sorted list of queue tasks determined for said user device in step (h). 17. The method of claim 16, further including the computer responsive to user activation of a first user device for causing said first user device to be coupled in communication with a second user device. 18. The method of claim 17, wherein the first and second user devices are coupled in wireless communication with each other. 19. The method of claim 17, further comprising:
(j) assigning the role of a user to the user device of said user; wherein the computer determines the second user device to connect in communication with the first user device based on the role of a user of the second user device. 20. The method of claim 16, wherein the change in the at least one criterion includes a change in at least one of the following: physician's order, patient diagnosis, patient treatment plan, patient wait time, staffing level; care load; patient census; patient acuity; patient flow;
patient present rate; bed availability; task assignment; task completion; caregiver skills; patient priority needs; a location of an object; time of day; day of the week; local weather; disease progression; and an emergency condition. 21. The method of claim 16, wherein the change in the at least one criterion originates at one of the following: one of the user devices; a passive measurement device; an active measurement device; or another computer. 22. The method of claim 19, further comprising:
(k) defining for a patient a set of roles based on the requested patient care; (l) linking in a database the patient to one or more user devices on the basis of the set of roles; (m) initiating an activity for said patient resulting in one or more queue tasks for one or more roles; (n) causing the computer to run the logistics management software to determine for each user device on the basis of the one or more queue tasks generated in step (m) either an amendment to the unique priority sorted list of queue tasks for the user of said user device determined in step (e) or step (h) or a new unique priority sorted list of queue tasks for the user of said user device; (o) receiving criterion indicating that examination results of said patient have been made available in the programmed computer; (p) determining a first user device having a queue task associated with said examination results; and (q) instructing the first user device determined in (p) to inform the user that the test results have been made available. 23. The method of claim 22, wherein the computer determines a second user device to connect in communication with the first user device based on a role of a user of the second user device. 24. A patient care logistics control system comprising:
a logistics software program; a plurality of intelligent wireless user devices, each user device including a visual display; a server computer configured to model patient care as a multitude of queue tasks to be performed by a plurality of users, wherein each user has an associated role and carries a user device, the server computer further configured for receiving criterion via one of the following: one of the user devices; a passive measurement device; an active measurement device; or another computer, wherein the server computer is operating under the control of the logistics software program for sequentially determining plural sets of priority sorted lists of queue tasks for the user a user device based on the patient care model, wherein each set of priority sorted lists of queue tasks is determined on the basis of the criterion; and a wireless network connecting the server computer and the user devices and operative for wirelessly delivering for display on the display of each user device for each set of priority sorted lists of queue tasks a unique one of the priority sorted list of queue tasks on the basis of the user assigned to the user device or a role of a user assigned to the user device. 25. The patient care logistics control system of claim 24, wherein the server computer is configured to assign a role of a user to the user device of said user and to causes the wireless network to couple two user devices in communication based on the roles of at least one said user associated with said user devices. 26. The patient care logistics control system of claim 24, wherein the change in at least one criterion originates at one of the following: at the server computer; one of the user devices; a passive measurement device; an active measurement device; or another computer. 27. The patient care logistics control system of claim 24, wherein the criterion used for determining the priority sorted lists of queue tasks includes at least one of the following: physician's order, patient diagnosis, patient treatment plan, patient wait time, staffing level; care load; patient census; patient acuity; patient flow; patient present rate; bed availability; task assignment; task completion; caregiver skills; patient priority needs; a location of an object; time of day; day of the week; local weather; disease progression; and an emergency condition. 28. The patient care logistics control system of claim 24, wherein each priority sorted list of queue tasks is wirelessly delivered to its user device in real-time. 29. The patient care logistics control system of claim 24, wherein the plural sets of priority sorted lists of queue tasks is determined based on plural service queue models available to the logistics software program, wherein each service queue model represents tasks to be performed by a caregiver on or for the benefit of at least one patient. 30. The patient care logistics control system of claim 24, wherein two priority sorted lists of queue tasks delivered to one user device includes a change in a priority of at least one task. 31. The patient care logistics control system of claim 26, wherein the server computer comprises a processor, and memory with data, and instructions stored therein so that the computer can execute a predetermined program wherein the program is arranged to enable the processor:
to define for a patient a set of roles based on the requested patient care; to link in a database the patient to one or more user devices on the basis of the set of roles; to initiate an examination for said patient resulting in one or more queue tasks for one or more roles; to cause the computer to run the logistics management software to determine for each user device on the basis of the one or more queue tasks generated either an amendment to the unique priority sorted list of queue tasks for the user of said user device or a new unique priority sorted list of queue tasks for the user of said user device; to receive the criterion indicating that examination results of said patient have been made available in the programmed computer; to determine a first user device having a queue task associated with said examination results; and, to instruct the first user device determined to inform the user that the test results have been made available and wherein the first user device is configured to inform the user in response to the instruction generated by the server computer. 32. The patient care logistics control system of claim 31, wherein the program is further arranged to determine a second user device to connect in communication with the first user device based on a role of a user of the second user device accessible to the computer, and to transmit an identification information associated with the second user device to the first user device, wherein the first user device is configured to receive the identification information associated with the second user device and to connect with the second user device based on said identification information. | 3,600 |
12,720 | 12,720 | 11,405,874 | 3,683 | A method, apparatus, and computer-usable medium for graphically depicting a behavior as a global process flow graph, wherein the global process flow graph includes a collection of actions performed by at least two roles; and transforming the global process flow graph into a collection of local processes, wherein each local process includes all actions performed by exactly one role among the at least two roles. | 1. A computer-implementable method comprising:
graphically depicting a behavior as a global process flow graph, wherein said global process flow graph includes a plurality of actions performed by at least two roles; and transforming said global process flow graph into a plurality of local processes, wherein each local process includes actions performed by each role among said at least two roles. 2. The computer-implementable method according to claim 1, wherein said transforming further includes:
assigning each action among said plurality of actions to said at least two roles; determining if at least one flow between said plurality of actions cross a boundary between said at least two roles; replacing said at least one flow with a plurality of explicit communication actions at said at least two roles; and adding a plurality of additional flows within said at least two roles to represent cause-and-effect paths that departed from a first role and subsequently re-entered said first role in said global process flow graph. 3. The computer-implementable method according to claim 2, wherein said plurality of explicit communication actions further include at least one send action, at least one receive action, and at least one message. 4. The computer-implementable method according to claim 2, wherein said plurality of explicit communication actions further include at least one call action. 5. A system comprising:
a processor; a data bus coupled to said processor; a computer-usable medium embodying computer program code, said computer-usable medium being coupled to said data bus, said computer program code comprising instructions executable by said processor and configured for:
graphically depicting a behavior as a global process flow graph, wherein said global process flow graph includes a plurality of actions performed by at least two roles; and
transforming said global process flow graph into a plurality of local processes, wherein each local process includes actions performed by each role among said at least two roles. 6. The system according to claim 5, wherein said instructions for transforming are further configured for:
assigning each action among said plurality of actions to said at least two roles; determining if at least one flow between said plurality of actions cross a boundary between said at least two roles; replacing said at least one flow with a plurality of explicit communication actions at said at least two roles; and adding a plurality of additional flows within said at least two roles to represent cause-and-effect paths that departed from a first role and subsequently re-entered said first role in said global process flow graph. 7. The system according to claim 6, wherein said plurality of explicit communication actions further include at least one send action, at least one receive action, and at least one message. 8. The system according to claim 6, wherein said plurality of explicit communication actions further include at least one call action. 9. A computer-usable medium embodying computer program code, said computer program code comprising computer-executable instructions configured for:
graphically depicting a behavior as a global process flow graph, wherein said global process flow graph includes a plurality of actions performed by at least two roles; and transforming said global process flow graph into a plurality of local processes, wherein each local process includes actions performed by each role among said at least two roles. 10. The computer-usable medium according to claim 9, wherein said instructions for transforming further comprises computer-executable instructions configured for:
assigning each action among said plurality of actions to said at least two roles; determining if at least one flow between said plurality of actions cross a boundary between said at least two roles; replacing said at least one flow with a plurality of explicit communication actions at said at least two roles; and adding a plurality of additional flows within said at least two roles to represent cause-and-effect paths that departed from a first role and subsequently re-entered said first role in said global process flow graph. 11. The computer-usable medium according to claim 10, wherein said plurality of explicit communication actions further include at least one send action, at least one receive action, and at least one message. 12. The computer-usable medium according to claim 10, wherein said plurality of explicit communication actions further include at least one call action. 13. The computer-usable medium according to claim 9, wherein the computer executable instructions are deployable to a client computer from a server at a remote location. 14. The computer-usable medium according to claim 9, wherein the computer-executable instructions are provided by a service provider to a customer on an on-demand basis. | A method, apparatus, and computer-usable medium for graphically depicting a behavior as a global process flow graph, wherein the global process flow graph includes a collection of actions performed by at least two roles; and transforming the global process flow graph into a collection of local processes, wherein each local process includes all actions performed by exactly one role among the at least two roles.1. A computer-implementable method comprising:
graphically depicting a behavior as a global process flow graph, wherein said global process flow graph includes a plurality of actions performed by at least two roles; and transforming said global process flow graph into a plurality of local processes, wherein each local process includes actions performed by each role among said at least two roles. 2. The computer-implementable method according to claim 1, wherein said transforming further includes:
assigning each action among said plurality of actions to said at least two roles; determining if at least one flow between said plurality of actions cross a boundary between said at least two roles; replacing said at least one flow with a plurality of explicit communication actions at said at least two roles; and adding a plurality of additional flows within said at least two roles to represent cause-and-effect paths that departed from a first role and subsequently re-entered said first role in said global process flow graph. 3. The computer-implementable method according to claim 2, wherein said plurality of explicit communication actions further include at least one send action, at least one receive action, and at least one message. 4. The computer-implementable method according to claim 2, wherein said plurality of explicit communication actions further include at least one call action. 5. A system comprising:
a processor; a data bus coupled to said processor; a computer-usable medium embodying computer program code, said computer-usable medium being coupled to said data bus, said computer program code comprising instructions executable by said processor and configured for:
graphically depicting a behavior as a global process flow graph, wherein said global process flow graph includes a plurality of actions performed by at least two roles; and
transforming said global process flow graph into a plurality of local processes, wherein each local process includes actions performed by each role among said at least two roles. 6. The system according to claim 5, wherein said instructions for transforming are further configured for:
assigning each action among said plurality of actions to said at least two roles; determining if at least one flow between said plurality of actions cross a boundary between said at least two roles; replacing said at least one flow with a plurality of explicit communication actions at said at least two roles; and adding a plurality of additional flows within said at least two roles to represent cause-and-effect paths that departed from a first role and subsequently re-entered said first role in said global process flow graph. 7. The system according to claim 6, wherein said plurality of explicit communication actions further include at least one send action, at least one receive action, and at least one message. 8. The system according to claim 6, wherein said plurality of explicit communication actions further include at least one call action. 9. A computer-usable medium embodying computer program code, said computer program code comprising computer-executable instructions configured for:
graphically depicting a behavior as a global process flow graph, wherein said global process flow graph includes a plurality of actions performed by at least two roles; and transforming said global process flow graph into a plurality of local processes, wherein each local process includes actions performed by each role among said at least two roles. 10. The computer-usable medium according to claim 9, wherein said instructions for transforming further comprises computer-executable instructions configured for:
assigning each action among said plurality of actions to said at least two roles; determining if at least one flow between said plurality of actions cross a boundary between said at least two roles; replacing said at least one flow with a plurality of explicit communication actions at said at least two roles; and adding a plurality of additional flows within said at least two roles to represent cause-and-effect paths that departed from a first role and subsequently re-entered said first role in said global process flow graph. 11. The computer-usable medium according to claim 10, wherein said plurality of explicit communication actions further include at least one send action, at least one receive action, and at least one message. 12. The computer-usable medium according to claim 10, wherein said plurality of explicit communication actions further include at least one call action. 13. The computer-usable medium according to claim 9, wherein the computer executable instructions are deployable to a client computer from a server at a remote location. 14. The computer-usable medium according to claim 9, wherein the computer-executable instructions are provided by a service provider to a customer on an on-demand basis. | 3,600 |
12,721 | 12,721 | 15,281,368 | 3,621 | Embodiments described herein provide approaches for detecting anomalies in electronic communications. Specifically, a set of response metrics is obtained from each of a plurality of communications. Each of the plurality of communications is part of a communications batch. Based on an aggregation of the response metric over the plurality of communications, a response metric value for one or more of the set of response metrics is computed. This response metric value is compared to a predicted metric value corresponding to the response metric. Based on this comparison, it is determined whether the response metric value is anomalous. If the response metric value is anomalous, a remediation activity is performed. | 1. A computer-implemented method for detecting anomalies in electronic communications, the method comprising:
obtaining, by at least one computing device, a set of response metrics from each of a plurality of electronic communications in a communications batch over a plurality of time periods, the plurality of electronic communications being a batch of emails having common content sent from a common batch launch time; computing, by the at least one computing device, a response metric value pattern for a response metric of the set of response metrics based on an aggregation of the response metric over the plurality of electronic communications; analyzing a content of the electronic communications to retrieve characteristics of the communication that are in common with a cluster of previous communications batches; generating a predicted metric value pattern corresponding to the response metric based on the cluster; comparing, by the at least one computing device, a trend over time indicated by the response metric value pattern to a predicted metric value pattern corresponding to the response metric to determine whether the response metric value pattern is anomalous; and performing a remediation activity in response to a determination that the response metric value pattern is anomalous. 2. The method of claim 1, further comprising:
analyzing accumulated response metrics from a plurality of previously sent communication batches; and calculating the predicted metric value pattern for each of the accumulated response metrics based on the analyzing. 3. The method of claim 2, further comprising modifying the predicted metric value pattern based on the response metric value pattern. 4. The method of claim 1, wherein the set of response metrics include response metrics pertaining to email sends, email opens, email clicks, and email bounces. 5. The method of claim 1, wherein the response metric value pattern is a curve that tracks the response metric over time from the common batch launch time. 6. The method of claim 1, wherein the electronic communications are marketing emails and wherein the communications batch is an email marketing campaign. 7. A computer system for detecting anomalies in electronic communications, the computer system comprising:
a memory medium comprising program instructions; a bus coupled to the memory medium; and a processor for executing the program instructions, the program instructions causing the system to:
obtain a set of response metrics from each of a plurality of electronic communications in a communications batch, the plurality of electronic communications over a plurality of time periods being a batch of emails having common content sent from a common batch launch time;
compute a response metric value pattern for a response metric of the set of response metrics based on an aggregation of the response metric over the plurality of electronic communications;
analyze a content of the electronic communications to retrieve characteristics of the communication that are in common with a cluster of previous communications batches;
generate a predicted metric value pattern corresponding to the response metric based on the cluster;
compare a trend over time indicated by the response metric value pattern to a predicted metric value pattern corresponding to the response metric to determine whether the response metric value pattern is anomalous; and
perform a remediation activity in response to a determination that the response metric value pattern is anomalous. 8. The computer system of claim 7, the instructions further causing the system to:
analyze accumulated response metrics from a plurality of previously sent communication batches; and calculate the predicted metric value pattern for each of the accumulated response metrics based on the analyzing. 9. The computer system of claim 8, the instructions further causing the system to modify the predicted metric value pattern based on the response metric value pattern. 10. The computer system of claim 7, wherein the set of response metrics include response metrics pertaining to email sends, email opens, email clicks, and email bounces. 11. The computer system of claim 7, wherein the response metric value pattern is a curve that tracks the response metric over time from the common batch launch time. 12. The computer system of claim 7, wherein the electronic communications are marketing emails and wherein the communications batch is an email marketing campaign. 13. A computer program product for detecting anomalies in electronic communications, the computer program product comprising a computer readable storage device that is not a data signal, and program instructions stored on the computer readable storage device, to:
obtain a set of response metrics from each of a plurality of electronic communications in a communications batch, the plurality of electronic communications being a batch of emails having common content sent from a common batch launch time; compute a response metric value pattern for a response metric of the set of response metrics based on an aggregation of the response metric over the plurality of electronic communications; analyze a content of the electronic communications to retrieve characteristics of the communication that are in common with a cluster of previous communications batches; generate a predicted metric value pattern corresponding to the response metric based on the cluster; compare a trend over time indicated by the response metric value pattern to a predicted metric value pattern corresponding to the response metric to determine whether the response metric value pattern is anomalous; and perform a remediation activity in response to a determination that the response metric value pattern is anomalous. 14. The computer program product of claim 13, the program instructions further:
analyzing accumulated response metrics from a plurality of previously sent communication batches; and calculating the predicted metric value pattern for each of the accumulated response metrics based on the analyzing. 15. The computer program product of claim 14, the program instructions further modifying the predicted metric value pattern based on the response metric value pattern. 16. The computer program product of claim 13, wherein the set of response metrics include response metrics pertaining to email sends, email opens, email clicks, and email bounces. 17. The computer program product of claim 13, wherein the response metric value pattern is a curve that tracks the response metric over time from the common batch launch time. 18. The computer program product of claim 13, wherein the electronic communications are marketing emails and wherein the communications batch is an email marketing campaign. | Embodiments described herein provide approaches for detecting anomalies in electronic communications. Specifically, a set of response metrics is obtained from each of a plurality of communications. Each of the plurality of communications is part of a communications batch. Based on an aggregation of the response metric over the plurality of communications, a response metric value for one or more of the set of response metrics is computed. This response metric value is compared to a predicted metric value corresponding to the response metric. Based on this comparison, it is determined whether the response metric value is anomalous. If the response metric value is anomalous, a remediation activity is performed.1. A computer-implemented method for detecting anomalies in electronic communications, the method comprising:
obtaining, by at least one computing device, a set of response metrics from each of a plurality of electronic communications in a communications batch over a plurality of time periods, the plurality of electronic communications being a batch of emails having common content sent from a common batch launch time; computing, by the at least one computing device, a response metric value pattern for a response metric of the set of response metrics based on an aggregation of the response metric over the plurality of electronic communications; analyzing a content of the electronic communications to retrieve characteristics of the communication that are in common with a cluster of previous communications batches; generating a predicted metric value pattern corresponding to the response metric based on the cluster; comparing, by the at least one computing device, a trend over time indicated by the response metric value pattern to a predicted metric value pattern corresponding to the response metric to determine whether the response metric value pattern is anomalous; and performing a remediation activity in response to a determination that the response metric value pattern is anomalous. 2. The method of claim 1, further comprising:
analyzing accumulated response metrics from a plurality of previously sent communication batches; and calculating the predicted metric value pattern for each of the accumulated response metrics based on the analyzing. 3. The method of claim 2, further comprising modifying the predicted metric value pattern based on the response metric value pattern. 4. The method of claim 1, wherein the set of response metrics include response metrics pertaining to email sends, email opens, email clicks, and email bounces. 5. The method of claim 1, wherein the response metric value pattern is a curve that tracks the response metric over time from the common batch launch time. 6. The method of claim 1, wherein the electronic communications are marketing emails and wherein the communications batch is an email marketing campaign. 7. A computer system for detecting anomalies in electronic communications, the computer system comprising:
a memory medium comprising program instructions; a bus coupled to the memory medium; and a processor for executing the program instructions, the program instructions causing the system to:
obtain a set of response metrics from each of a plurality of electronic communications in a communications batch, the plurality of electronic communications over a plurality of time periods being a batch of emails having common content sent from a common batch launch time;
compute a response metric value pattern for a response metric of the set of response metrics based on an aggregation of the response metric over the plurality of electronic communications;
analyze a content of the electronic communications to retrieve characteristics of the communication that are in common with a cluster of previous communications batches;
generate a predicted metric value pattern corresponding to the response metric based on the cluster;
compare a trend over time indicated by the response metric value pattern to a predicted metric value pattern corresponding to the response metric to determine whether the response metric value pattern is anomalous; and
perform a remediation activity in response to a determination that the response metric value pattern is anomalous. 8. The computer system of claim 7, the instructions further causing the system to:
analyze accumulated response metrics from a plurality of previously sent communication batches; and calculate the predicted metric value pattern for each of the accumulated response metrics based on the analyzing. 9. The computer system of claim 8, the instructions further causing the system to modify the predicted metric value pattern based on the response metric value pattern. 10. The computer system of claim 7, wherein the set of response metrics include response metrics pertaining to email sends, email opens, email clicks, and email bounces. 11. The computer system of claim 7, wherein the response metric value pattern is a curve that tracks the response metric over time from the common batch launch time. 12. The computer system of claim 7, wherein the electronic communications are marketing emails and wherein the communications batch is an email marketing campaign. 13. A computer program product for detecting anomalies in electronic communications, the computer program product comprising a computer readable storage device that is not a data signal, and program instructions stored on the computer readable storage device, to:
obtain a set of response metrics from each of a plurality of electronic communications in a communications batch, the plurality of electronic communications being a batch of emails having common content sent from a common batch launch time; compute a response metric value pattern for a response metric of the set of response metrics based on an aggregation of the response metric over the plurality of electronic communications; analyze a content of the electronic communications to retrieve characteristics of the communication that are in common with a cluster of previous communications batches; generate a predicted metric value pattern corresponding to the response metric based on the cluster; compare a trend over time indicated by the response metric value pattern to a predicted metric value pattern corresponding to the response metric to determine whether the response metric value pattern is anomalous; and perform a remediation activity in response to a determination that the response metric value pattern is anomalous. 14. The computer program product of claim 13, the program instructions further:
analyzing accumulated response metrics from a plurality of previously sent communication batches; and calculating the predicted metric value pattern for each of the accumulated response metrics based on the analyzing. 15. The computer program product of claim 14, the program instructions further modifying the predicted metric value pattern based on the response metric value pattern. 16. The computer program product of claim 13, wherein the set of response metrics include response metrics pertaining to email sends, email opens, email clicks, and email bounces. 17. The computer program product of claim 13, wherein the response metric value pattern is a curve that tracks the response metric over time from the common batch launch time. 18. The computer program product of claim 13, wherein the electronic communications are marketing emails and wherein the communications batch is an email marketing campaign. | 3,600 |
12,722 | 12,722 | 14,560,994 | 3,688 | Systems and methods for assessing the cross-channel value of advertising. One computer-implemented method includes receiving, at a processor, a number of impressions for a particular advertisement for a specified time period. A next step includes selecting an entry point for a business event related to the particular advertisement, and receiving business value information from the entry point for the specified time period. A relationship between the particular advertisement and the entry point for the business event is analyzed based on the number of impressions for the particular advertisement and the business value from the entry point for the specified time period. | 1. A computer-implemented method for assessing a cross-channel value of media advertising, the method comprising:
receiving, at a processor, a number of impressions for a particular advertisement for a specified time period; selecting an entry point for a business event related to the particular advertisement; receiving business value information from the entry point for the specified time period; analyzing a relationship between the particular advertisement and the entry point for the business event based on the number of impressions for the particular advertisement correlated to the business value information from the entry point for the specified time period. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein receiving business value information includes further comprises receiving value for a product or service related to the particular advertisement during the specified time period across multiple devices and multiple browsers, and wherein the impressions for the particular advertisement is displayed in an advertising channel selected from the group consisting of a display advertising channel, a branding channel, and a search advertising channel. 3. The method of claim 1, wherein when the relationship between the particular advertisement and the entry point for the business event exists, the method further comprises:
determining a magnitude of the relationship between the particular advertisement and the entry point based on the number of impressions for the particular advertisement and the business value from the entry point for the specified time period. 4. The method of claim 1, wherein when the relationship between the particular advertisement and the entry point for the business event exists, the method further comprises:
determining an incremental change in impressions for the particular advertisement over the specified time period; determining an incremental change in business value from the entry point for the specified time period; and calculating a value per impression from the incremental change in business value divided by the incremental change in impressions for the particular advertisement over the specified time period. 5. The method of claim 1, further comprising:
determining the number of impressions for the particular advertisement for the specified time period based on information from a webserver; and determining the business value information from the entry point for the specified time period based on revenue data from business accounting systems. 6. The method of claim 1, further comprising:
evaluating the particular advertisement for at least one feature associated with the entry point, wherein the feature is selected from the group consisting of a catchphrase, a slogan, a symbol, a mascot, and an identifier for a search channel, wherein the feature is used to determine the relationship between the particular advertisement and the entry point for the business event. 7. The method of claim 1, wherein receiving business value information further comprises receiving value for a product or service related to the particular advertisement during the specified time period. 8. The method of claim 1, wherein the entry point is buying channel through which a consumer can make a purchase. 9. The method of claim 1, wherein the entry point is a mechanism by which an individual can perform a business event, wherein the business event is selected from the group consisting of a conversion, an order, a sale, a lead, an application, and a registration; and wherein the business value is selected from the group consisting of revenue, margin, or profit. 10. The method of claim 1, wherein analyzing a relationship between the particular advertisement and the entry point for the business event further comprises:
evaluating textual features and non-textual features of the particular advertisement related to the features of the entry point. 11. An audience-based system for assessing the cross-channel value of media advertising, the system comprising:
a memory storing data, the data comprising:
a number of impressions for a particular advertisement for a specified time period,
entry points for a business event related to the particular advertisement,
business value information from the entry point for the specified time period, and
an advertisement-to-entry-point relationship model that determines whether the particular advertisement influences the entry point for the business event; and
at least one processor for:
selecting an entry point for a business event related to the particular advertisement, and
determining, via the advertisement-to-entry-point relationship model, whether the particular advertisement influences the entry point for the business event based on the number of impressions for the particular advertisement and the business value from the entry point for the specified time period. 12. The system of claim 11, wherein the advertisement-to-entry-point relationship model includes a econometric time series forecast model that includes over-fitting minimization and variable selection; wherein over-fitting minimization includes an over-fitting mechanism selected from the group consisting of setting a threshold minimum number of days for model training of advertisement, setting a threshold minimum number of advertisement impressions for the model training, using a regularized regression algorithm, and comparing a normalized root mean squared error (NRMSE) of training data to a NRMSE of a holdout set of data; and wherein variable selection includes a variable selection mechanism selected from the group consisting of assigning variables using empirical Bayesian ordering and correlating variables using a forward selection regression algorithm. 13. The system of claim 11, wherein the entry point is a mechanism by which an individual can perform a business event; wherein the business event is selected from the group consisting of a conversion, an order, a sale, a lead, an application, and a registration; and wherein the business value is selected from the group consisting of revenue, margin, or profit. 14. The system of claim 11, wherein the entry point is selected from a group consisting of a result of a keyword or key phrase related to the particular advertisement, a uniform resource locator of a website, and a link from a website; and wherein the number of impressions is a number of times the particular advertisement is displayed. 15. The system of claim 11, wherein at least one processor is further configured to determine a number of searches associated with particular advertisement that lead to the business event. 16. Non-transitory computer-readable medium encoded with a plurality of processor-executable instructions for:
receiving, at a processor, a number of impressions for a particular advertisement for a specified time period; selecting an entry point for a business event related to the particular advertisement; receiving business value information from the entry point for the specified time period; determining, by mathematical modeling, whether the particular advertisement influences the entry point for the business event based on the number of impressions for the particular advertisement and the business value from the entry point for the specified time period. 17. The computer-readable medium of claim 16, wherein when the particular advertisement influences the entry point, the plurality of processor-executable instructions is further configured for determining a magnitude of a relationship between the particular advertisement and the entry point based on the number of impressions for the particular advertisement and the business value from the entry point for the specified time period. 18. The computer-readable medium of claim 16, wherein when the particular advertisement influences the entry point, the plurality of processor-executable instructions is further configured for generating a value per impression from an incremental change in business value divided by an incremental change in impressions for the particular advertisement over the specified time period. 19. The computer-readable medium of claim 16, wherein the entry point is a mechanism by which an individual can perform a business event; wherein the business event is selected from the group consisting of a conversion, an order, a sale, a lead, an application, and a registration; and the business value is selected from the group consisting of revenue, margin, or profit. 20. The computer-readable medium of claim 16, wherein the entry point is selected from a group consisting of a result of a keyword or key phrase related to the particular advertisement, a uniform resource locator of a website, and a link from a website; and wherein the number of impressions is a number of times the particular advertisement is displayed. 21. The computer-readable medium of claim 16, wherein the mathematical modeling includes an econometric time series forecast model. 22. The computer-readable medium of claim 16, wherein the plurality of processor-executable instructions further comprises:
evaluating the particular advertisement for at least one feature associated with the entry point, wherein the feature is selected from the group consisting of a catchphrase, a slogan, a symbol, a mascot, and an identifier for a search channel, wherein the feature is used to determine whether the particular advertisement influences the entry point for the business event. | Systems and methods for assessing the cross-channel value of advertising. One computer-implemented method includes receiving, at a processor, a number of impressions for a particular advertisement for a specified time period. A next step includes selecting an entry point for a business event related to the particular advertisement, and receiving business value information from the entry point for the specified time period. A relationship between the particular advertisement and the entry point for the business event is analyzed based on the number of impressions for the particular advertisement and the business value from the entry point for the specified time period.1. A computer-implemented method for assessing a cross-channel value of media advertising, the method comprising:
receiving, at a processor, a number of impressions for a particular advertisement for a specified time period; selecting an entry point for a business event related to the particular advertisement; receiving business value information from the entry point for the specified time period; analyzing a relationship between the particular advertisement and the entry point for the business event based on the number of impressions for the particular advertisement correlated to the business value information from the entry point for the specified time period. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein receiving business value information includes further comprises receiving value for a product or service related to the particular advertisement during the specified time period across multiple devices and multiple browsers, and wherein the impressions for the particular advertisement is displayed in an advertising channel selected from the group consisting of a display advertising channel, a branding channel, and a search advertising channel. 3. The method of claim 1, wherein when the relationship between the particular advertisement and the entry point for the business event exists, the method further comprises:
determining a magnitude of the relationship between the particular advertisement and the entry point based on the number of impressions for the particular advertisement and the business value from the entry point for the specified time period. 4. The method of claim 1, wherein when the relationship between the particular advertisement and the entry point for the business event exists, the method further comprises:
determining an incremental change in impressions for the particular advertisement over the specified time period; determining an incremental change in business value from the entry point for the specified time period; and calculating a value per impression from the incremental change in business value divided by the incremental change in impressions for the particular advertisement over the specified time period. 5. The method of claim 1, further comprising:
determining the number of impressions for the particular advertisement for the specified time period based on information from a webserver; and determining the business value information from the entry point for the specified time period based on revenue data from business accounting systems. 6. The method of claim 1, further comprising:
evaluating the particular advertisement for at least one feature associated with the entry point, wherein the feature is selected from the group consisting of a catchphrase, a slogan, a symbol, a mascot, and an identifier for a search channel, wherein the feature is used to determine the relationship between the particular advertisement and the entry point for the business event. 7. The method of claim 1, wherein receiving business value information further comprises receiving value for a product or service related to the particular advertisement during the specified time period. 8. The method of claim 1, wherein the entry point is buying channel through which a consumer can make a purchase. 9. The method of claim 1, wherein the entry point is a mechanism by which an individual can perform a business event, wherein the business event is selected from the group consisting of a conversion, an order, a sale, a lead, an application, and a registration; and wherein the business value is selected from the group consisting of revenue, margin, or profit. 10. The method of claim 1, wherein analyzing a relationship between the particular advertisement and the entry point for the business event further comprises:
evaluating textual features and non-textual features of the particular advertisement related to the features of the entry point. 11. An audience-based system for assessing the cross-channel value of media advertising, the system comprising:
a memory storing data, the data comprising:
a number of impressions for a particular advertisement for a specified time period,
entry points for a business event related to the particular advertisement,
business value information from the entry point for the specified time period, and
an advertisement-to-entry-point relationship model that determines whether the particular advertisement influences the entry point for the business event; and
at least one processor for:
selecting an entry point for a business event related to the particular advertisement, and
determining, via the advertisement-to-entry-point relationship model, whether the particular advertisement influences the entry point for the business event based on the number of impressions for the particular advertisement and the business value from the entry point for the specified time period. 12. The system of claim 11, wherein the advertisement-to-entry-point relationship model includes a econometric time series forecast model that includes over-fitting minimization and variable selection; wherein over-fitting minimization includes an over-fitting mechanism selected from the group consisting of setting a threshold minimum number of days for model training of advertisement, setting a threshold minimum number of advertisement impressions for the model training, using a regularized regression algorithm, and comparing a normalized root mean squared error (NRMSE) of training data to a NRMSE of a holdout set of data; and wherein variable selection includes a variable selection mechanism selected from the group consisting of assigning variables using empirical Bayesian ordering and correlating variables using a forward selection regression algorithm. 13. The system of claim 11, wherein the entry point is a mechanism by which an individual can perform a business event; wherein the business event is selected from the group consisting of a conversion, an order, a sale, a lead, an application, and a registration; and wherein the business value is selected from the group consisting of revenue, margin, or profit. 14. The system of claim 11, wherein the entry point is selected from a group consisting of a result of a keyword or key phrase related to the particular advertisement, a uniform resource locator of a website, and a link from a website; and wherein the number of impressions is a number of times the particular advertisement is displayed. 15. The system of claim 11, wherein at least one processor is further configured to determine a number of searches associated with particular advertisement that lead to the business event. 16. Non-transitory computer-readable medium encoded with a plurality of processor-executable instructions for:
receiving, at a processor, a number of impressions for a particular advertisement for a specified time period; selecting an entry point for a business event related to the particular advertisement; receiving business value information from the entry point for the specified time period; determining, by mathematical modeling, whether the particular advertisement influences the entry point for the business event based on the number of impressions for the particular advertisement and the business value from the entry point for the specified time period. 17. The computer-readable medium of claim 16, wherein when the particular advertisement influences the entry point, the plurality of processor-executable instructions is further configured for determining a magnitude of a relationship between the particular advertisement and the entry point based on the number of impressions for the particular advertisement and the business value from the entry point for the specified time period. 18. The computer-readable medium of claim 16, wherein when the particular advertisement influences the entry point, the plurality of processor-executable instructions is further configured for generating a value per impression from an incremental change in business value divided by an incremental change in impressions for the particular advertisement over the specified time period. 19. The computer-readable medium of claim 16, wherein the entry point is a mechanism by which an individual can perform a business event; wherein the business event is selected from the group consisting of a conversion, an order, a sale, a lead, an application, and a registration; and the business value is selected from the group consisting of revenue, margin, or profit. 20. The computer-readable medium of claim 16, wherein the entry point is selected from a group consisting of a result of a keyword or key phrase related to the particular advertisement, a uniform resource locator of a website, and a link from a website; and wherein the number of impressions is a number of times the particular advertisement is displayed. 21. The computer-readable medium of claim 16, wherein the mathematical modeling includes an econometric time series forecast model. 22. The computer-readable medium of claim 16, wherein the plurality of processor-executable instructions further comprises:
evaluating the particular advertisement for at least one feature associated with the entry point, wherein the feature is selected from the group consisting of a catchphrase, a slogan, a symbol, a mascot, and an identifier for a search channel, wherein the feature is used to determine whether the particular advertisement influences the entry point for the business event. | 3,600 |
12,723 | 12,723 | 11,817,121 | 3,695 | The invention relates to an automated risk monitoring method and a corresponding risk monitoring system for automated risk monitoring, in the case of which control data for different companies are transferred to a monitoring unit and evaluated, a company specific asset distribution and a corresponding threshold value being determined, said threshold value corresponding to the expected value of the asset parameter for the occurrence of the insolvency of a company, recovery rate factors being determined by means of a standardization module of the monitoring unit, and wherein, using a MonteCarlo module of the monitoring unit ( 20 ), MonteCarlo asset parameters are generated for each company by means of which the companies with the lowest expected recovery rate factors are determined and dynamic adjustment of the portfolio accordingly made by means of the monitoring unit. | 1. A method for networked monitoring and dynamic portfolio adjustment among a plurality of entities, in which individual entity's, in the plurality of entities, one or more asset parameters are extracted on an entity-specific basis from control data and the one or more asset parameters of the plurality of entities are evaluated stochastically such that at least one entity-specific asset distribution is determined and stored, comprising:
storing a determined threshold value based on at least one entity-specific asset distribution, the stored threshold value being stored with an association, if the threshold value is equivalent to an expected value of one or more asset parameters for the occurrence of insolvency of the individual entity; standardizing determined entity-specific recovery rate factors in a manner which is associated with one or more of the entity-specific asset distribution or the stored threshold value; and generating MonteCarlo asset parameters for individual entities, in the plurality of entities, to determine the expected recovery rate factors; displaying the individual entities with the expected recovery rate factors. 2. The method of claim 1 further comprising storing, in a limited access environment, one or more lowest expected recovery rate factors, included in the determined entity-specific recovery rate factors, such that an authorized user can adjust a subject portfolio. 3. The method of claim 1 wherein one or more lowest expected recovery rate factors, included in the determined entity-specific recovery rate factors, are wirelessly broadcast. 4. The method of claim 3 wherein security for the encryption is centrally managed. 5. The method of claim 3 further comprising extracting relevant data from the broadcast fo a specific portfolio. 6. The method of claim 3 further comprising filtering the broadcast for at least one of the determined entity-specific recovery rate or an expected value of one or more asset parameters for the occurrence of insolvency of the individual entity for a entity represented in a specific portfolio. 7. A method for monitoring credit risk of a financial portfolio comprising:
extracting one or more asset parameters, on a entity-specific basis, from control data for individual entities represented in the portfolio; stochastically evaluating the one or more asset parameters to determine at least one entity-specific asset distribution; determining a threshold value based on the least one entity-specific asset distribution; storing an association with the threshold value, if the threshold value is equivalent to an expected value of one or mores asset parameters associated with an entity's insolvency; generating MonteCarlo asset parameters for individual entities, represented in the portfolio, to determine expected recovery rate factors; standardizing recovery rate factors for the individual entities, represented in the portfolio, for the at least one entity-specific asset distribution; and displaying the expected recovery rate factors for the individual entities, represented in the portfolio. 8. The method of claim 7 further comprising storing, in a limited access environment, a lowest expected recovery rate factor in association with the portfolio. 9. The method of claim 8 further comprising broadcasting the lowest expected recovery rate factor. 10. The method of claim 9 wherein access to the broadcast is centrally managed. 11. The method of claim 7 wherein the method is at least partially implemented in a wireless environment. 12. The method of claim 7 further comprising automatically purchasing a security representing an interest in an individual entity, represented in the portfolio, to adjust the portfolio's risk exposure. 13. Computer readable media comprising computer executable instructions that, when implemented by a computing system, direct the computing system to:
extract one or more asset parameters, on a entity-specific basis, from control data for individual entities represented in the portfolio; stochastically evaluate the one or more asset parameters to determine at least one entity-specific asset distribution; determine a threshold value based on the least one entity-specific asset distribution for storage; store an association with the threshold value, if the threshold value is equivalent to an expected value of one or mores asset parameters associated with an entity's insolvency; generate MonteCarlo asset parameters for individual entities, represented in the portfolio, to determine expected recovery rate factors; standardize recovery rate factors for the individual entities, represented in the portfolio, for the at least one entity-specific asset distribution; and display the expected recovery rate factors for the individual entities. 14. The computer readable media of claim 13 further comprising centrally manage security for display of the expected recovery rate factors. 15. The computer readable media of claim 13 store a lowest expected recovery rate factor in association with the portfolio. 16. The computer readable media of claim 13 further comprising automatically order a security for an individual entity to rebalance the portfolio's risk factor. 17. A system for automatically monitoring credit risk of a portfolio comprising:
a central monitoring unit, for monitoring control data for individual entities represented in the portfolio, the monitoring unit being configured to stochastically evaluate one or more asset parameters extracted from the control data to obtain a standardized recovery rate factors, based on the expected recovery rate factors for the individual entities, which are associated with is MonteCarlo factors for the individual entities represented in the portfolio. 18. The system of claim 17 wherein the central monitoring unit includes:
an extraction module configured to extract the one or more asset parameters for the individual entities from the control data; a statistical module configured to stochastically evaluate the one or more asset parameters to determine the at least one entity-specific asset distribution; a storage module configured to store the threshold value determined from the at least one entity-specific asset distribution; a standardization module configured to standardize the recovery rate factors based on the at least one entity-specific asset distribution and the threshold value; and a MonteCarlo module configured to generate the MonteCarlo asset parameters for individual entities represented in the portfolio. 19. The system of claim 17 wherein the storage module stores an association with the threshold value, if the threshold value is equivalent to an expected value of one or mores asset parameters associated with an entity's insolvency. 20. The system of claim 17 further comprising a wireless transmitter configured to broadcast at least one of the expected recovery rate factors for an individual entity, represented in the portfolio. | The invention relates to an automated risk monitoring method and a corresponding risk monitoring system for automated risk monitoring, in the case of which control data for different companies are transferred to a monitoring unit and evaluated, a company specific asset distribution and a corresponding threshold value being determined, said threshold value corresponding to the expected value of the asset parameter for the occurrence of the insolvency of a company, recovery rate factors being determined by means of a standardization module of the monitoring unit, and wherein, using a MonteCarlo module of the monitoring unit ( 20 ), MonteCarlo asset parameters are generated for each company by means of which the companies with the lowest expected recovery rate factors are determined and dynamic adjustment of the portfolio accordingly made by means of the monitoring unit.1. A method for networked monitoring and dynamic portfolio adjustment among a plurality of entities, in which individual entity's, in the plurality of entities, one or more asset parameters are extracted on an entity-specific basis from control data and the one or more asset parameters of the plurality of entities are evaluated stochastically such that at least one entity-specific asset distribution is determined and stored, comprising:
storing a determined threshold value based on at least one entity-specific asset distribution, the stored threshold value being stored with an association, if the threshold value is equivalent to an expected value of one or more asset parameters for the occurrence of insolvency of the individual entity; standardizing determined entity-specific recovery rate factors in a manner which is associated with one or more of the entity-specific asset distribution or the stored threshold value; and generating MonteCarlo asset parameters for individual entities, in the plurality of entities, to determine the expected recovery rate factors; displaying the individual entities with the expected recovery rate factors. 2. The method of claim 1 further comprising storing, in a limited access environment, one or more lowest expected recovery rate factors, included in the determined entity-specific recovery rate factors, such that an authorized user can adjust a subject portfolio. 3. The method of claim 1 wherein one or more lowest expected recovery rate factors, included in the determined entity-specific recovery rate factors, are wirelessly broadcast. 4. The method of claim 3 wherein security for the encryption is centrally managed. 5. The method of claim 3 further comprising extracting relevant data from the broadcast fo a specific portfolio. 6. The method of claim 3 further comprising filtering the broadcast for at least one of the determined entity-specific recovery rate or an expected value of one or more asset parameters for the occurrence of insolvency of the individual entity for a entity represented in a specific portfolio. 7. A method for monitoring credit risk of a financial portfolio comprising:
extracting one or more asset parameters, on a entity-specific basis, from control data for individual entities represented in the portfolio; stochastically evaluating the one or more asset parameters to determine at least one entity-specific asset distribution; determining a threshold value based on the least one entity-specific asset distribution; storing an association with the threshold value, if the threshold value is equivalent to an expected value of one or mores asset parameters associated with an entity's insolvency; generating MonteCarlo asset parameters for individual entities, represented in the portfolio, to determine expected recovery rate factors; standardizing recovery rate factors for the individual entities, represented in the portfolio, for the at least one entity-specific asset distribution; and displaying the expected recovery rate factors for the individual entities, represented in the portfolio. 8. The method of claim 7 further comprising storing, in a limited access environment, a lowest expected recovery rate factor in association with the portfolio. 9. The method of claim 8 further comprising broadcasting the lowest expected recovery rate factor. 10. The method of claim 9 wherein access to the broadcast is centrally managed. 11. The method of claim 7 wherein the method is at least partially implemented in a wireless environment. 12. The method of claim 7 further comprising automatically purchasing a security representing an interest in an individual entity, represented in the portfolio, to adjust the portfolio's risk exposure. 13. Computer readable media comprising computer executable instructions that, when implemented by a computing system, direct the computing system to:
extract one or more asset parameters, on a entity-specific basis, from control data for individual entities represented in the portfolio; stochastically evaluate the one or more asset parameters to determine at least one entity-specific asset distribution; determine a threshold value based on the least one entity-specific asset distribution for storage; store an association with the threshold value, if the threshold value is equivalent to an expected value of one or mores asset parameters associated with an entity's insolvency; generate MonteCarlo asset parameters for individual entities, represented in the portfolio, to determine expected recovery rate factors; standardize recovery rate factors for the individual entities, represented in the portfolio, for the at least one entity-specific asset distribution; and display the expected recovery rate factors for the individual entities. 14. The computer readable media of claim 13 further comprising centrally manage security for display of the expected recovery rate factors. 15. The computer readable media of claim 13 store a lowest expected recovery rate factor in association with the portfolio. 16. The computer readable media of claim 13 further comprising automatically order a security for an individual entity to rebalance the portfolio's risk factor. 17. A system for automatically monitoring credit risk of a portfolio comprising:
a central monitoring unit, for monitoring control data for individual entities represented in the portfolio, the monitoring unit being configured to stochastically evaluate one or more asset parameters extracted from the control data to obtain a standardized recovery rate factors, based on the expected recovery rate factors for the individual entities, which are associated with is MonteCarlo factors for the individual entities represented in the portfolio. 18. The system of claim 17 wherein the central monitoring unit includes:
an extraction module configured to extract the one or more asset parameters for the individual entities from the control data; a statistical module configured to stochastically evaluate the one or more asset parameters to determine the at least one entity-specific asset distribution; a storage module configured to store the threshold value determined from the at least one entity-specific asset distribution; a standardization module configured to standardize the recovery rate factors based on the at least one entity-specific asset distribution and the threshold value; and a MonteCarlo module configured to generate the MonteCarlo asset parameters for individual entities represented in the portfolio. 19. The system of claim 17 wherein the storage module stores an association with the threshold value, if the threshold value is equivalent to an expected value of one or mores asset parameters associated with an entity's insolvency. 20. The system of claim 17 further comprising a wireless transmitter configured to broadcast at least one of the expected recovery rate factors for an individual entity, represented in the portfolio. | 3,600 |
12,724 | 12,724 | 12,993,642 | 3,617 | Vessel comprising a hull having near a bottom a cavity for receiving a mooring buoy, a lifting device being placed on the hull comprising a cable that extends through the cavity to a weight that is situated below the bottom of the vessel, the mooring buoy being attached to the cable, the mooring buoy carrying mooring lines that are connected to a sea bed and being receivable in the cavity for coupling with the turret, the mooring buoy comprising a central shaft through which the cable passes, the buoy being movable relative to the cable in a length direction of the cable, wherein the weight is located on the cable at or below the buoy, a stopper being provided on the cable for engaging with the buoy and for blocking relative movement of the buoy and the cable, the stopper being fixed to the cable near an upper or a lower end of the buoy. | 1. Vessel (14) comprising a hull (3) having near a bottom (41) a cavity (42) for receiving a mooring buoy (11), a lifting device (20,45) being placed on the hull comprising a cable (17) that extends through the cavity (42) to a weight (16) that is situated below the bottom (41) of the vessel, the mooring buoy (11) being attached to the cable (17), the mooring buoy carrying mooring lines (10) that are connected to a sea bed (19) and being receivable in the cavity (42) for coupling with the turret (1), the mooring buoy comprising a central shaft (44) through which the cable (17) passes, the buoy being movable relative to the cable (17) in a length direction of the cable, wherein the weight (16) is located on the cable at or below the buoy, a stopper (21) being provided on the cable for engaging with the buoy and for blocking relative movement of the buoy and the cable, the stopper being fixed to the cable near an upper or a lower end of the buoy. 2. Vessel (14) according to claim 1, wherein the buoy (11) comprises a buoyancy compartment (15) filled with a buoyancy material. 3. Vessel (14) according to claim 1, wherein the stopper (21) is attached to the buoy via a spring member (22). 4. Vessel (14) according to claim 1, wherein the buoy (11) is attached to the cable (17) via a spring member (22), the stopper (21) being situated below the buoy (11). 5. Vessel (14) according to claim 4, the weight (16) being situated at least partly inside the central shaft (44) of the buoy. 6. Vessel (14) according to claim 1, the weight (16) comprising a chain section. 7. Vessel (14) according to claim 1, comprising anchor legs (10) attached to the buoy (11) and to the seabed (19), each anchor leg being along its length attached to a floatation member (18). 8. Vessel (14) according to claim 1, the length of the cable (17) being such that in a disconnected state in which the buoy (11) is disconnected from the hull, the weight (16) rests on the seabed (19). 9. Method of connecting a vessel (14) to a submerged weighted mooring buoy (11) carrying risers (12) and mooring lines (10) that are connected to the sea bed (19), the vessel comprising a cavity (42) for receiving a mooring buoy (11), a lifting device (20,45) being placed on the hull comprising a cable (17) that extends through the cavity (42) to a weight (16) that is situated below the bottom (41) of the vessel, the mooring buoy (11) being attached to the cable (17), the mooring buoy carrying mooring lines (10) that are connected to a sea bed (19) and being receivable in the cavity (42) for coupling with the turret (1), the mooring buoy comprising a central shaft (44) through which the cable (17) passes, the buoy being movable relative to the cable (17) in a length direction of the cable, wherein the weight (16) is located on the cable at or below the buoy, a stopper (21) being provided on the cable for engaging with the buoy and for blocking relative movement of the buoy and the cable, the stopper being fixed to the cable near an upper or a lower end of the buoy, the method comprising the steps of:
lifting the weight (16) by hauling in the cable (17), allowing the buoy (11) to rise upwardly along the cable into the cavity (42) assisted by positive buoyancy, and locking the buoy (11) into the cavity. 10. Method according to claim 9, comprising rotating a turn table (31) on the vessel carrying riser conduits (53,54) to be aligned with the riser ends (55,56) on the buoy after locking the buoy (11) into the cavity (42). 11. Vessel (14) according to claim 2, wherein the stopper (21) is attached to the buoy via a spring member (22). 12. Vessel (14) according to claim 2, wherein the buoy (11) is attached to the cable (17) via a spring member (22), the stopper (21) being situated below the buoy (11). 13. Vessel (14) according to claim 3, wherein the buoy (11) is attached to the cable (17) via a spring member (22), the stopper (21) being situated below the buoy (11). | Vessel comprising a hull having near a bottom a cavity for receiving a mooring buoy, a lifting device being placed on the hull comprising a cable that extends through the cavity to a weight that is situated below the bottom of the vessel, the mooring buoy being attached to the cable, the mooring buoy carrying mooring lines that are connected to a sea bed and being receivable in the cavity for coupling with the turret, the mooring buoy comprising a central shaft through which the cable passes, the buoy being movable relative to the cable in a length direction of the cable, wherein the weight is located on the cable at or below the buoy, a stopper being provided on the cable for engaging with the buoy and for blocking relative movement of the buoy and the cable, the stopper being fixed to the cable near an upper or a lower end of the buoy.1. Vessel (14) comprising a hull (3) having near a bottom (41) a cavity (42) for receiving a mooring buoy (11), a lifting device (20,45) being placed on the hull comprising a cable (17) that extends through the cavity (42) to a weight (16) that is situated below the bottom (41) of the vessel, the mooring buoy (11) being attached to the cable (17), the mooring buoy carrying mooring lines (10) that are connected to a sea bed (19) and being receivable in the cavity (42) for coupling with the turret (1), the mooring buoy comprising a central shaft (44) through which the cable (17) passes, the buoy being movable relative to the cable (17) in a length direction of the cable, wherein the weight (16) is located on the cable at or below the buoy, a stopper (21) being provided on the cable for engaging with the buoy and for blocking relative movement of the buoy and the cable, the stopper being fixed to the cable near an upper or a lower end of the buoy. 2. Vessel (14) according to claim 1, wherein the buoy (11) comprises a buoyancy compartment (15) filled with a buoyancy material. 3. Vessel (14) according to claim 1, wherein the stopper (21) is attached to the buoy via a spring member (22). 4. Vessel (14) according to claim 1, wherein the buoy (11) is attached to the cable (17) via a spring member (22), the stopper (21) being situated below the buoy (11). 5. Vessel (14) according to claim 4, the weight (16) being situated at least partly inside the central shaft (44) of the buoy. 6. Vessel (14) according to claim 1, the weight (16) comprising a chain section. 7. Vessel (14) according to claim 1, comprising anchor legs (10) attached to the buoy (11) and to the seabed (19), each anchor leg being along its length attached to a floatation member (18). 8. Vessel (14) according to claim 1, the length of the cable (17) being such that in a disconnected state in which the buoy (11) is disconnected from the hull, the weight (16) rests on the seabed (19). 9. Method of connecting a vessel (14) to a submerged weighted mooring buoy (11) carrying risers (12) and mooring lines (10) that are connected to the sea bed (19), the vessel comprising a cavity (42) for receiving a mooring buoy (11), a lifting device (20,45) being placed on the hull comprising a cable (17) that extends through the cavity (42) to a weight (16) that is situated below the bottom (41) of the vessel, the mooring buoy (11) being attached to the cable (17), the mooring buoy carrying mooring lines (10) that are connected to a sea bed (19) and being receivable in the cavity (42) for coupling with the turret (1), the mooring buoy comprising a central shaft (44) through which the cable (17) passes, the buoy being movable relative to the cable (17) in a length direction of the cable, wherein the weight (16) is located on the cable at or below the buoy, a stopper (21) being provided on the cable for engaging with the buoy and for blocking relative movement of the buoy and the cable, the stopper being fixed to the cable near an upper or a lower end of the buoy, the method comprising the steps of:
lifting the weight (16) by hauling in the cable (17), allowing the buoy (11) to rise upwardly along the cable into the cavity (42) assisted by positive buoyancy, and locking the buoy (11) into the cavity. 10. Method according to claim 9, comprising rotating a turn table (31) on the vessel carrying riser conduits (53,54) to be aligned with the riser ends (55,56) on the buoy after locking the buoy (11) into the cavity (42). 11. Vessel (14) according to claim 2, wherein the stopper (21) is attached to the buoy via a spring member (22). 12. Vessel (14) according to claim 2, wherein the buoy (11) is attached to the cable (17) via a spring member (22), the stopper (21) being situated below the buoy (11). 13. Vessel (14) according to claim 3, wherein the buoy (11) is attached to the cable (17) via a spring member (22), the stopper (21) being situated below the buoy (11). | 3,600 |
12,725 | 12,725 | 13,603,444 | 3,695 | A method of financial data analysis that comprises calculating for each member of a first group of publically traded financial instruments, a current growth grade according to combination of growth factor scores and a current value grade according to a combination of value factor scores, generating a presentation depicting the distribution of members of the first group according to their growth and value factor scores, receiving from a user a correlation between a range of value grades and a range of growth grades, the correlation being selected according to the presentation, selecting a second group of the publically traded financial instruments according to historical financial data so that each member thereof having historical growth and value grades which correspond with the value and growth grade ranges, performing back testing simulation(s) to members of the second group according to financial data from the past period, and presenting the testing simulation outcome. | 1. A computerized method of financial data analysis, comprising:
calculating, using a processor, for each member of a first group of a plurality of publically traded financial instruments, a current growth grade according to combination of a plurality of growth factor scores and a current value grade according to a combination of a plurality of value factor scores; generating a presentation depicting the distribution of a plurality of members of said first group according to their growth and value factor scores; receiving from a user a correlation between a range of value grades and a range of growth grades, said correlation being selected according to said presentation; selecting a second group of said publically traded financial instruments according to historical financial data so that each member thereof having growth and value grades which correspond with said value and growth grade ranges in a past period; performing at least one back testing simulation to members of said second group according to financial data from said past period; and presenting the outcome of said at least one testing simulation to said user. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein said receiving comprises automatically selecting a subgroup of said first group so that each member thereof having growth and value grades which correspond with said range of value grades and said range of growth grades; and
automatically building a portfolio which includes members of said subgroup. 3. The method of claim 2, further comprising automatically performing a plurality of transaction to purchase and manage said portfolio. 4. The method of claim 2, wherein said correlation is manually selected by marking at least one area of interest on said presentation; wherein said subgroup comprising currently publically traded financial instruments which are presented as marks within said at least one area of interest. 5. The method of claim 2, wherein said automatically performing comprises selecting at least one member of said subgroup for trading based on a combined grade calculated according to a combination of value and growth grades. 6. The method of claim 1, further comprising managing a dataset having historical financial data pertaining to at least some of said plurality of publically traded financial instruments, said historical financial data comprises growth and value factor scores measured during a past period of at least one year; wherein said selecting is performed by an analysis of said dataset. 7. The method of claim 6, further comprising monitoring at least one online financial data source to update said growth and value factor scores in said dataset. 8. The method of claim 1, wherein said presentation is a multidimensional graphical presentation depicting each member of said first group as an object in a graphical structure based on respective said current growth and value grades. 9. The method of claim 8, wherein said graphical structure is a two dimensional grid having a current growth grade axis and a current value grade axis. 10. The method of claim 1, wherein said calculating comprises normalizing said plurality of growth and value factor scores. 11. The method of claim 1, wherein said calculating comprises receiving a plurality of relative weights from said user and weighting said plurality of growth and value factor scores according to respective said plurality of relative weights. 12. The method of claim 1, further comprising receiving a plurality of simulation parameters from a user and performing said at least one back testing simulation according to said plurality of simulation parameters. 13. The method of claim 12, wherein said plurality of simulation parameters includes at least one member of a group consisting of an historical purchase date, a historical sell date, a max number of stocks, an investment size, a stock holding period, a rebalance period, a weight method, a benchmark reference, a stock management commission, and a minimum volume. 14. The method of claim 12, wherein said receiving comprises automatically selecting a subgroup of said first group so that each member thereof having growth and value grades which correspond with said range of value grades and said range of growth grades and automatically building a portfolio which includes members of said subgroup; further comprising automatically performing a plurality of transaction to purchase and manage said portfolio according to said plurality of simulation parameters. 15. The method of claim 1, further comprising filtering said first group according to a plurality of filtering parameter received from said user. 16. The method of claim 1, wherein said calculating scaling said plurality of growth and value factor scores according to a user set scale. 17. The method of claim 1, further comprising setting according to a user input at least one dynamic control rule for monitoring changes of members of said second group during said back testing simulation and emulating at least one trading transaction according to said at least one dynamic control rule. 18. The method of claim 1, wherein said selecting and performing are repeated in a plurality of simulation sessions to generate a plurality of simulation outputs; wherein said presenting comprises grading each said simulation output according to at least one return parameter and at least one risk parameter and arranging said plurality of simulation outputs according to said grading. 19. The method of claim 18, wherein said performing comprises weighting said at least one return parameter and said at least one risk parameter according to a user input. 20. A computer readable medium comprising computer executable instructions adapted to perform the method of claim 1. 21. A system of financial data analysis, comprising:
a processor and a dataset which stores historical financial data pertaining to a plurality of public ally traded financial instruments; a growth and value module which calculates, using said processor current growth and value grades respectively according to a plurality of growth and value factor scores for each member of a first group of said plurality of publically traded financial instruments; a presentation module which forwards said growth and value grades of each said publically traded financial instrument to a client terminal of said user to facilitate generating a grade indicative presentation; an input module which receives from a user a correlation between a range of value grades and a range of growth grades, said correlation being selected by said user according to said grade indicative presentation; and a simulation module performs at least one back testing simulation to each member of a second group of said publically traded financial instruments according to financial data documenting at least a past period, each member of said second group having growth and value grades with said value and growth grade ranges during said past period; wherein the outcome of said at least one testing simulation being forwarded to said client terminal. 22. A computerized method of generating a graphical presentation of a distribution of grades given to publically traded financial instruments, comprising:
calculating, using a processor, for each member of a plurality of publically traded financial instruments, current growth and value grades respectively according to a plurality of growth and value factor scores; generating a multidimensional graphic presentation having a multidimensional grid with a plurality of graphical indicators distributed indicative of said plurality of publically traded financial instruments thereon so that a location of each said graphical indicator is indicative of growth and value grades of a respective said publically traded financial instrument; allowing a user to mark at least one area of interest of said multidimensional graphic presentation, said at least one area is indicative of a correlation between a range of value grades and a range of growth grades; automatically selecting a group of said plurality of publically traded financial instruments based on a respective group of said plurality of graphical indicators depicted within the boundaries of said at least one marked area of interest; and outputting said selected group. 23. The method of claim 22, wherein generating comprises coloring said plurality of graphical indicators with a plurality of colors each indicative of a different company related characteristic of a common group. 24. The method of claim 23, wherein said company related characteristic is selected from a group consisting of a market capitalization value group, an industrial sector, a trading exchange market, and a country of origin. | A method of financial data analysis that comprises calculating for each member of a first group of publically traded financial instruments, a current growth grade according to combination of growth factor scores and a current value grade according to a combination of value factor scores, generating a presentation depicting the distribution of members of the first group according to their growth and value factor scores, receiving from a user a correlation between a range of value grades and a range of growth grades, the correlation being selected according to the presentation, selecting a second group of the publically traded financial instruments according to historical financial data so that each member thereof having historical growth and value grades which correspond with the value and growth grade ranges, performing back testing simulation(s) to members of the second group according to financial data from the past period, and presenting the testing simulation outcome.1. A computerized method of financial data analysis, comprising:
calculating, using a processor, for each member of a first group of a plurality of publically traded financial instruments, a current growth grade according to combination of a plurality of growth factor scores and a current value grade according to a combination of a plurality of value factor scores; generating a presentation depicting the distribution of a plurality of members of said first group according to their growth and value factor scores; receiving from a user a correlation between a range of value grades and a range of growth grades, said correlation being selected according to said presentation; selecting a second group of said publically traded financial instruments according to historical financial data so that each member thereof having growth and value grades which correspond with said value and growth grade ranges in a past period; performing at least one back testing simulation to members of said second group according to financial data from said past period; and presenting the outcome of said at least one testing simulation to said user. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein said receiving comprises automatically selecting a subgroup of said first group so that each member thereof having growth and value grades which correspond with said range of value grades and said range of growth grades; and
automatically building a portfolio which includes members of said subgroup. 3. The method of claim 2, further comprising automatically performing a plurality of transaction to purchase and manage said portfolio. 4. The method of claim 2, wherein said correlation is manually selected by marking at least one area of interest on said presentation; wherein said subgroup comprising currently publically traded financial instruments which are presented as marks within said at least one area of interest. 5. The method of claim 2, wherein said automatically performing comprises selecting at least one member of said subgroup for trading based on a combined grade calculated according to a combination of value and growth grades. 6. The method of claim 1, further comprising managing a dataset having historical financial data pertaining to at least some of said plurality of publically traded financial instruments, said historical financial data comprises growth and value factor scores measured during a past period of at least one year; wherein said selecting is performed by an analysis of said dataset. 7. The method of claim 6, further comprising monitoring at least one online financial data source to update said growth and value factor scores in said dataset. 8. The method of claim 1, wherein said presentation is a multidimensional graphical presentation depicting each member of said first group as an object in a graphical structure based on respective said current growth and value grades. 9. The method of claim 8, wherein said graphical structure is a two dimensional grid having a current growth grade axis and a current value grade axis. 10. The method of claim 1, wherein said calculating comprises normalizing said plurality of growth and value factor scores. 11. The method of claim 1, wherein said calculating comprises receiving a plurality of relative weights from said user and weighting said plurality of growth and value factor scores according to respective said plurality of relative weights. 12. The method of claim 1, further comprising receiving a plurality of simulation parameters from a user and performing said at least one back testing simulation according to said plurality of simulation parameters. 13. The method of claim 12, wherein said plurality of simulation parameters includes at least one member of a group consisting of an historical purchase date, a historical sell date, a max number of stocks, an investment size, a stock holding period, a rebalance period, a weight method, a benchmark reference, a stock management commission, and a minimum volume. 14. The method of claim 12, wherein said receiving comprises automatically selecting a subgroup of said first group so that each member thereof having growth and value grades which correspond with said range of value grades and said range of growth grades and automatically building a portfolio which includes members of said subgroup; further comprising automatically performing a plurality of transaction to purchase and manage said portfolio according to said plurality of simulation parameters. 15. The method of claim 1, further comprising filtering said first group according to a plurality of filtering parameter received from said user. 16. The method of claim 1, wherein said calculating scaling said plurality of growth and value factor scores according to a user set scale. 17. The method of claim 1, further comprising setting according to a user input at least one dynamic control rule for monitoring changes of members of said second group during said back testing simulation and emulating at least one trading transaction according to said at least one dynamic control rule. 18. The method of claim 1, wherein said selecting and performing are repeated in a plurality of simulation sessions to generate a plurality of simulation outputs; wherein said presenting comprises grading each said simulation output according to at least one return parameter and at least one risk parameter and arranging said plurality of simulation outputs according to said grading. 19. The method of claim 18, wherein said performing comprises weighting said at least one return parameter and said at least one risk parameter according to a user input. 20. A computer readable medium comprising computer executable instructions adapted to perform the method of claim 1. 21. A system of financial data analysis, comprising:
a processor and a dataset which stores historical financial data pertaining to a plurality of public ally traded financial instruments; a growth and value module which calculates, using said processor current growth and value grades respectively according to a plurality of growth and value factor scores for each member of a first group of said plurality of publically traded financial instruments; a presentation module which forwards said growth and value grades of each said publically traded financial instrument to a client terminal of said user to facilitate generating a grade indicative presentation; an input module which receives from a user a correlation between a range of value grades and a range of growth grades, said correlation being selected by said user according to said grade indicative presentation; and a simulation module performs at least one back testing simulation to each member of a second group of said publically traded financial instruments according to financial data documenting at least a past period, each member of said second group having growth and value grades with said value and growth grade ranges during said past period; wherein the outcome of said at least one testing simulation being forwarded to said client terminal. 22. A computerized method of generating a graphical presentation of a distribution of grades given to publically traded financial instruments, comprising:
calculating, using a processor, for each member of a plurality of publically traded financial instruments, current growth and value grades respectively according to a plurality of growth and value factor scores; generating a multidimensional graphic presentation having a multidimensional grid with a plurality of graphical indicators distributed indicative of said plurality of publically traded financial instruments thereon so that a location of each said graphical indicator is indicative of growth and value grades of a respective said publically traded financial instrument; allowing a user to mark at least one area of interest of said multidimensional graphic presentation, said at least one area is indicative of a correlation between a range of value grades and a range of growth grades; automatically selecting a group of said plurality of publically traded financial instruments based on a respective group of said plurality of graphical indicators depicted within the boundaries of said at least one marked area of interest; and outputting said selected group. 23. The method of claim 22, wherein generating comprises coloring said plurality of graphical indicators with a plurality of colors each indicative of a different company related characteristic of a common group. 24. The method of claim 23, wherein said company related characteristic is selected from a group consisting of a market capitalization value group, an industrial sector, a trading exchange market, and a country of origin. | 3,600 |
12,726 | 12,726 | 12,464,097 | 3,684 | Present invention discloses a method, system, and apparatus for display of contact information on communication device. It comprises of first product database containing seller information, seller product information, and product location; second product database containing buyer product request; first application in mobile device having means to determine mobile device location at pre determined intervals and having means to automatically communicate mobile device location to second application; second application having means to match first and second product databases and mobile device location at pre determined intervals events to generate local matching products database; mobile device having display means for products contained in local matching product database; and mobile device having means to display contact information of sellers and buyers. | 1. A method of display of contact information on communication device comprising; 1) communication device having display means; 2) displaying contact information on communication device; 3) limiting one or more contact information functionality; and 4) activating one or more of contact information functionality upon payment of a fee. 2. The method of claim 1; wherein contact information includes one or more of name, physical address, phone number, fax number, web site URL, email address, and GPS coordinates. 3. The method of claim 1 wherein contact information is retrieved locally from communication device. 4. The method of claim 1; wherein contact information is transmitted from web server. 5. The method of claim 1; wherein contact information functionality includes one or more of speed dialing of displayed phone number, displaying information contained in one or more select data fields of contact information, activating URL links associated with contact information, activating email client, obtaining driving directions to the displayed contact information, and saving displayed contact information into contact list of communication device. 6. The method of claim 1; wherein contact information is stored locally in the communication device. 7. A method of display of contact information comprising; 1) first product database containing seller information, seller product information, and product location; 2) second product database containing buyer product request and buyer information; 3) first application in mobile device having means to determine mobile device location at pre determined intervals or events and having means to communicate mobile device location to second application; 4) second application having means to match first and second product databases; and mobile device location at pre determined intervals or events to generate local matching products database; 5) second application having means to determine buyer contact information; and having communication link with seller communication device; 6) second application communicating buyer information to seller communication device corresponding to products contained in local matching products database; 7) displaying buyer contact information in seller communication device; 8) limiting one more contact information functionality; and 9) activating one or more contact information functionality upon payment of fee. 8. The method of claim 7; wherein contact information is in one or more of text, voice, image, and video formats and comprises of one or more of mobile client name, physical address, phone number, fax number, web site URL, email address, and GPS coordinates. 9. The method of claim 7 wherein mobile device location is determined by one or more of GPS co-ordinates, cellular tower triangulation, and access point location; and product location is determined by one or more of GPS co ordinates, postal code, and physical address. 10. The method of claim 7; wherein second application is hosted in one or more of mobile communication device or web server. 11. The method of claim 7; wherein displayed contact information is retrieved locally from communication device, or is transmitted to communication device from web server. 12. The method of claim 7; wherein contact information functionality includes one or more of speed dialing of displayed phone number, displaying information contained in one or more select data fields of contact information, activating URL links associated with contact information, activating email client, obtaining driving directions to the displayed contact information, saving displayed contact information into contact list of communication device, and displaying complete contact information of corresponding entity. 13. A method of display of contact information comprising; 1) first product database containing seller product information and product location; 2) second product database containing buyer product request; 3) first application in mobile device having means to determine mobile device location and having means to communicate mobile device location to second application at predetermined events or intervals; 4) second application having means to match first and second product databases; and mobile device location at pre determined intervals to generate local matching products database; 5) mobile device having display means for products contained in location based matching product database; 6) displaying seller contact information; 7) limiting one or more contact information functionality; and 8) activating one or more of contact information functionality upon payment of fee. 14. The method of claim 13; wherein product information is in one or more of text, voice, image, and video formats. 15. The-method of claim 13; wherein mobile device location is determined by one or more of GPS co-ordinates, cellular tower triangulation, and access point location. 16. The method of claim 13; wherein product location is determined by one or more of GPS co ordinates, postal code, and physical address. 17. The method of claim 13; wherein contact information functionality includes one or more of speed dialing of displayed phone number, activating URL links associated with contact information, activating email client, obtaining driving directions to the displayed contact information, saving displayed contact information into contact list of communication device, and displaying information contained in select or all data fields of contact information. 18. The method of finding sellers of claim 13 wherein contact information is in one or more of text, voice, image, or video formats. 19. The method of finding sellers of claim 13; wherein contact information comprises of one or more of seller name, physical address, phone number, fax number, web site URL, email address, and GPS coordinates. 20. The method of claim 13; wherein displayed contact information is retrieved locally from communication device, or is transmitted to communication device from web server. | Present invention discloses a method, system, and apparatus for display of contact information on communication device. It comprises of first product database containing seller information, seller product information, and product location; second product database containing buyer product request; first application in mobile device having means to determine mobile device location at pre determined intervals and having means to automatically communicate mobile device location to second application; second application having means to match first and second product databases and mobile device location at pre determined intervals events to generate local matching products database; mobile device having display means for products contained in local matching product database; and mobile device having means to display contact information of sellers and buyers.1. A method of display of contact information on communication device comprising; 1) communication device having display means; 2) displaying contact information on communication device; 3) limiting one or more contact information functionality; and 4) activating one or more of contact information functionality upon payment of a fee. 2. The method of claim 1; wherein contact information includes one or more of name, physical address, phone number, fax number, web site URL, email address, and GPS coordinates. 3. The method of claim 1 wherein contact information is retrieved locally from communication device. 4. The method of claim 1; wherein contact information is transmitted from web server. 5. The method of claim 1; wherein contact information functionality includes one or more of speed dialing of displayed phone number, displaying information contained in one or more select data fields of contact information, activating URL links associated with contact information, activating email client, obtaining driving directions to the displayed contact information, and saving displayed contact information into contact list of communication device. 6. The method of claim 1; wherein contact information is stored locally in the communication device. 7. A method of display of contact information comprising; 1) first product database containing seller information, seller product information, and product location; 2) second product database containing buyer product request and buyer information; 3) first application in mobile device having means to determine mobile device location at pre determined intervals or events and having means to communicate mobile device location to second application; 4) second application having means to match first and second product databases; and mobile device location at pre determined intervals or events to generate local matching products database; 5) second application having means to determine buyer contact information; and having communication link with seller communication device; 6) second application communicating buyer information to seller communication device corresponding to products contained in local matching products database; 7) displaying buyer contact information in seller communication device; 8) limiting one more contact information functionality; and 9) activating one or more contact information functionality upon payment of fee. 8. The method of claim 7; wherein contact information is in one or more of text, voice, image, and video formats and comprises of one or more of mobile client name, physical address, phone number, fax number, web site URL, email address, and GPS coordinates. 9. The method of claim 7 wherein mobile device location is determined by one or more of GPS co-ordinates, cellular tower triangulation, and access point location; and product location is determined by one or more of GPS co ordinates, postal code, and physical address. 10. The method of claim 7; wherein second application is hosted in one or more of mobile communication device or web server. 11. The method of claim 7; wherein displayed contact information is retrieved locally from communication device, or is transmitted to communication device from web server. 12. The method of claim 7; wherein contact information functionality includes one or more of speed dialing of displayed phone number, displaying information contained in one or more select data fields of contact information, activating URL links associated with contact information, activating email client, obtaining driving directions to the displayed contact information, saving displayed contact information into contact list of communication device, and displaying complete contact information of corresponding entity. 13. A method of display of contact information comprising; 1) first product database containing seller product information and product location; 2) second product database containing buyer product request; 3) first application in mobile device having means to determine mobile device location and having means to communicate mobile device location to second application at predetermined events or intervals; 4) second application having means to match first and second product databases; and mobile device location at pre determined intervals to generate local matching products database; 5) mobile device having display means for products contained in location based matching product database; 6) displaying seller contact information; 7) limiting one or more contact information functionality; and 8) activating one or more of contact information functionality upon payment of fee. 14. The method of claim 13; wherein product information is in one or more of text, voice, image, and video formats. 15. The-method of claim 13; wherein mobile device location is determined by one or more of GPS co-ordinates, cellular tower triangulation, and access point location. 16. The method of claim 13; wherein product location is determined by one or more of GPS co ordinates, postal code, and physical address. 17. The method of claim 13; wherein contact information functionality includes one or more of speed dialing of displayed phone number, activating URL links associated with contact information, activating email client, obtaining driving directions to the displayed contact information, saving displayed contact information into contact list of communication device, and displaying information contained in select or all data fields of contact information. 18. The method of finding sellers of claim 13 wherein contact information is in one or more of text, voice, image, or video formats. 19. The method of finding sellers of claim 13; wherein contact information comprises of one or more of seller name, physical address, phone number, fax number, web site URL, email address, and GPS coordinates. 20. The method of claim 13; wherein displayed contact information is retrieved locally from communication device, or is transmitted to communication device from web server. | 3,600 |
12,727 | 12,727 | 14,873,440 | 3,697 | According to some embodiments, a multi-currency transaction routing apparatus may include a first input to receive, from an acquirer bank, an electronic message containing information about a business as usual transaction including a generic primary account number. The multi-currency transaction routing apparatus may also include a storage device storing: (i) an association between the generic primary account number and a first primary account number of a first funding bank account in a first currency, and (ii) an association between the generic primary account number and a second primary account number of a second funding bank account in a second currency. A routing module computer may detect the generic primary account number within the electronic message and automatically transmit data about the transaction to a remote device associated with one of the first and second funding bank accounts in accordance with the associations stored in the storage device. | 1. A multi-currency transaction routing apparatus, comprising:
a first input to receive, from an acquirer bank, an electronic message containing information about a business as usual transaction including a generic primary account number; a storage device storing: (i) an association between the generic primary account number and a first primary account number of a first funding bank account in a first currency, and (ii) an association between the generic primary account number and a second primary account number of a second funding bank account in a second currency; a routing module computer to detect the generic primary account number within the electronic message and to automatically transmit data about the transaction to a remote device associated with one of the first and second funding bank accounts in accordance with the associations stored in the storage device. 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said routing is based on at least one currency exchange rate value. 3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said routing is based on payment card network business rules or logic stored in a cloud environment. 4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the generic primary account number is associated with a cardholder, and said routing is based on information received via an application executing on a smartphone associated with the cardholder. 5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the smartphone application further verifies at least one of: (i) that a current geolocation associated with the transaction corresponds to the business as usual transaction, and (ii) that biometric information received from the cardholder validates the transaction. 6. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the smartphone application displays at least one currency exchange rate value to the cardholder and includes a transaction calculator to estimate a total transaction cost based on at least one currency exchange rate value. 7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first funding bank account and the second funding bank account are associated with a single issuer bank. 8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first funding bank account and the second funding bank account are associated with different issuer banks 9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein at least one of the first and second funding bank accounts are associated with at least one of: (i) a credit card account, (ii) a debit card account, (iii) a pre-paid account, and (iv) an electronic transaction account. 10. A method, comprising:
associating a generic primary account number with a first primary account number of a first funding bank account in a first currency; associating the generic primary account number with a second primary account number of a second funding bank account in a second currency; receiving from an acquirer bank information about a business as usual transaction associated with the generic primary account number; and automatically routing, by a multi-currency transaction routing platform, data about the transaction to one of the first and second funding bank accounts. 11. The method of claim 10, wherein said routing is based on at least one currency exchange rate value. 12. The method of claim 10, wherein said routing is based on payment card network business rules or logic stored in a cloud environment. 13. The method of claim 10, wherein the generic primary account number is associated with a cardholder, and said routing is based on information received via an application executing on a smartphone associated with the cardholder. 14. The method of claim 13, wherein the smartphone application further verifies that a current geolocation associated with the transaction corresponds to the business as usual transaction. 15. The method of claim 13, wherein the smartphone application further collects biometric information from the cardholder to validate the transaction. 16. The method of claim 13, wherein the smartphone application displays at least one currency exchange rate value to the cardholder. 17. The method of claim 13, wherein the smartphone application includes a transaction calculator to estimate a total transaction cost based on at least one currency exchange rate value. 18. The method of claim 10, wherein the first funding bank account and the second funding bank account are associated with a single issuer bank. 19. The method of claim 10, wherein the first funding bank account and the second funding bank account are associated with different issuer banks 20. The method of claim 10, wherein at least one of the first and second funding bank accounts is associated with at least one of: (i) a credit card account, (ii) a debit card account, (iii) a pre-paid account, and (iv) an electronic transaction account. 21. A non-transitory, computer readable medium having stored therein instructions that, upon execution, cause a computer to perform a method, the method comprising:
associating a generic primary account number with a first primary account number of a first funding bank account in a first currency; associating the generic primary account number with a second primary account number of a second funding bank account in a second currency; receiving from an acquirer bank information about a business as usual transaction associated with the generic primary account number; and automatically routing, by a multi-currency transaction routing platform, data about the transaction to one of the first and second funding bank accounts. 22. The medium of claim 21, wherein the generic primary account number is associated with a cardholder, and said routing is based on information received via an application executing on a smartphone associated with the cardholder. 23. The medium of claim 22, wherein the first funding bank account and the second funding bank account are associated with a single issuer bank. 23. The medium of claim 22, wherein the first funding bank account and the second funding bank account are associated with different issuer banks 24. The medium of claim 22, wherein at least one of the first and second funding bank accounts are associated with at least one of: (i) a credit card account, (ii) a debit card account, (iii) a pre-paid account, and (iv) an electronic transaction account. | According to some embodiments, a multi-currency transaction routing apparatus may include a first input to receive, from an acquirer bank, an electronic message containing information about a business as usual transaction including a generic primary account number. The multi-currency transaction routing apparatus may also include a storage device storing: (i) an association between the generic primary account number and a first primary account number of a first funding bank account in a first currency, and (ii) an association between the generic primary account number and a second primary account number of a second funding bank account in a second currency. A routing module computer may detect the generic primary account number within the electronic message and automatically transmit data about the transaction to a remote device associated with one of the first and second funding bank accounts in accordance with the associations stored in the storage device.1. A multi-currency transaction routing apparatus, comprising:
a first input to receive, from an acquirer bank, an electronic message containing information about a business as usual transaction including a generic primary account number; a storage device storing: (i) an association between the generic primary account number and a first primary account number of a first funding bank account in a first currency, and (ii) an association between the generic primary account number and a second primary account number of a second funding bank account in a second currency; a routing module computer to detect the generic primary account number within the electronic message and to automatically transmit data about the transaction to a remote device associated with one of the first and second funding bank accounts in accordance with the associations stored in the storage device. 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said routing is based on at least one currency exchange rate value. 3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said routing is based on payment card network business rules or logic stored in a cloud environment. 4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the generic primary account number is associated with a cardholder, and said routing is based on information received via an application executing on a smartphone associated with the cardholder. 5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the smartphone application further verifies at least one of: (i) that a current geolocation associated with the transaction corresponds to the business as usual transaction, and (ii) that biometric information received from the cardholder validates the transaction. 6. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the smartphone application displays at least one currency exchange rate value to the cardholder and includes a transaction calculator to estimate a total transaction cost based on at least one currency exchange rate value. 7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first funding bank account and the second funding bank account are associated with a single issuer bank. 8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first funding bank account and the second funding bank account are associated with different issuer banks 9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein at least one of the first and second funding bank accounts are associated with at least one of: (i) a credit card account, (ii) a debit card account, (iii) a pre-paid account, and (iv) an electronic transaction account. 10. A method, comprising:
associating a generic primary account number with a first primary account number of a first funding bank account in a first currency; associating the generic primary account number with a second primary account number of a second funding bank account in a second currency; receiving from an acquirer bank information about a business as usual transaction associated with the generic primary account number; and automatically routing, by a multi-currency transaction routing platform, data about the transaction to one of the first and second funding bank accounts. 11. The method of claim 10, wherein said routing is based on at least one currency exchange rate value. 12. The method of claim 10, wherein said routing is based on payment card network business rules or logic stored in a cloud environment. 13. The method of claim 10, wherein the generic primary account number is associated with a cardholder, and said routing is based on information received via an application executing on a smartphone associated with the cardholder. 14. The method of claim 13, wherein the smartphone application further verifies that a current geolocation associated with the transaction corresponds to the business as usual transaction. 15. The method of claim 13, wherein the smartphone application further collects biometric information from the cardholder to validate the transaction. 16. The method of claim 13, wherein the smartphone application displays at least one currency exchange rate value to the cardholder. 17. The method of claim 13, wherein the smartphone application includes a transaction calculator to estimate a total transaction cost based on at least one currency exchange rate value. 18. The method of claim 10, wherein the first funding bank account and the second funding bank account are associated with a single issuer bank. 19. The method of claim 10, wherein the first funding bank account and the second funding bank account are associated with different issuer banks 20. The method of claim 10, wherein at least one of the first and second funding bank accounts is associated with at least one of: (i) a credit card account, (ii) a debit card account, (iii) a pre-paid account, and (iv) an electronic transaction account. 21. A non-transitory, computer readable medium having stored therein instructions that, upon execution, cause a computer to perform a method, the method comprising:
associating a generic primary account number with a first primary account number of a first funding bank account in a first currency; associating the generic primary account number with a second primary account number of a second funding bank account in a second currency; receiving from an acquirer bank information about a business as usual transaction associated with the generic primary account number; and automatically routing, by a multi-currency transaction routing platform, data about the transaction to one of the first and second funding bank accounts. 22. The medium of claim 21, wherein the generic primary account number is associated with a cardholder, and said routing is based on information received via an application executing on a smartphone associated with the cardholder. 23. The medium of claim 22, wherein the first funding bank account and the second funding bank account are associated with a single issuer bank. 23. The medium of claim 22, wherein the first funding bank account and the second funding bank account are associated with different issuer banks 24. The medium of claim 22, wherein at least one of the first and second funding bank accounts are associated with at least one of: (i) a credit card account, (ii) a debit card account, (iii) a pre-paid account, and (iv) an electronic transaction account. | 3,600 |
12,728 | 12,728 | 14,789,240 | 3,625 | A payment website coordinates payment transactions related to purchases by account holders from merchants. Merchants may open transactions and request authorization from the account holders' account issuers. Upon receipt of a favorable authorization response in a particular transaction, the website may permit the merchant to append an invoice to the transaction on the website for validation by the account issuer. The account issuer may confirm that the invoice meets requirements for an applicable financing program. After validation of the invoice, the payment website may contact the account holder to obtain authentication by the account holder of the invoice and the transaction. | 1. A method comprising:
receiving first transaction data from a merchant, the first transaction data including an account holder's payment account number, the first transaction data related to a purchase transaction; using the first transaction data to generate a transaction authorization request; routing the transaction authorization request to an account issuer; receiving an authorization response from the account issuer; receiving second transaction data from the merchant, the second transaction data related to said purchase transaction, the second transaction data including an electronic invoice; allowing the account issuer to access the electronic invoice; receiving an indication from the account issuer that the account issuer has validated the electronic invoice; sending a message to the account holder to indicate that the account issuer has validated the purchase transaction; allowing the account holder to access at least some of the first and second transaction data; receiving an indication from the account holder that the account holder authenticates the purchase transaction; and informing the merchant, the account holder and the issuer that the purchase transaction is fully authenticated. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the first transaction data is received via a payment website. 3. The method of claim 2, wherein the second transaction data is received via an authorized transaction view provided for said purchase transaction by said payment website. 4. The method of claim 3, wherein the account issuer is allowed to access the electronic invoice via an issuer validation view provided for said purchase transaction by said payment website. 5. The method of claim 4, wherein the account holder is allowed to access at least some of the first and second transaction data via said payment website. 6. The method of claim 5, wherein said at least some of the first and second transaction data includes the validated electronic invoice. 7. The method of claim 3, wherein the authorized transaction view includes a transaction identifier for the purchase transaction. 8. The method of claim 1, wherein the indication from the account issuer is received from a back office facility of the account issuer. 9. The method of claim 1, wherein the indication from the account issuer is received from a branch office of the account issuer. 10. The method of claim 1, wherein:
the message sent to the account holder includes an authentication token; and the indication received from the account holder includes said authentication token. 11. A method comprising:
hosting a payment website that includes a catalog, the catalog viewable by customers and including a plurality of entries, each of said entries representing a respective product or set of products available for sale, the products or sets of products collectively offered for sale by a plurality of merchants; receiving a plurality of indications from one of said customers, said plurality of indications including: (a) a first indication that indicates selection of a first one of said entries for purchase by said one of said customers; and (b) a second indication that indicates selection of a second one of said entries for purchase by said one of said customers; said first one of said entries representing a product offered for sale by a first one of said merchants; said second one of said entries representing a product offered for sale by a second one of said merchants; receiving a payment account number associated with said one of said customers, said payment account number identifying a payment account issued to said one of said customers by an account issuer; generating a transaction authorization request with respect to said products selected by said one of said customers; routing the transaction authorization request to said account issuer; receiving an authorization response from the account issuer; generating electronic invoices for said products selected by said one of said customers; receiving an indication from the account issuer that said account issuer has validated the electronic invoices; and informing said one of the customers, the first one of the merchants and the second one of the merchants that the customer's order is approved. 12. The method of claim 11, wherein at least some of the products are agricultural products. 13. The method of claim 11, further comprising:
facilitating settlement of the customer's order such that funds are transferred from the account issuer to said first one of the merchants and said second one of the merchants. 14. A system comprising:
a processor; and a memory in communication with the processor, the memory storing program instructions, the processor operative with the program instructions to perform functions as follows:
receiving first transaction data from a merchant, the first transaction data including an account holder's payment account number, the first transaction data related to a purchase transaction;
using the first transaction data to generate a transaction authorization request;
routing the transaction authorization request to an account issuer;
receiving an authorization response from the account issuer;
receiving second transaction data from the merchant, the second transaction data related to said purchase transaction, the second transaction data including an electronic invoice;
allowing the account issuer to access the electronic invoice;
receiving an indication from the account issuer that the account issuer has validated the electronic invoice;
sending a message to the account holder to indicate that the account issuer has validated the purchase transaction;
allowing the account holder to access at least some of the first and second transaction data;
receiving an indication from the account holder that the account holder authenticates the purchase transaction; and
informing the merchant, the account holder and the issuer that the purchase transaction is fully authenticated. 15. The system of claim 14, wherein the first transaction data is received via a payment website. 16. The system of claim 15, wherein the second transaction data is received via an authorized transaction view provided for said purchase transaction by said payment website. 17. The system of claim 16, wherein the account issuer is allowed to access the electronic invoice via an issuer validation view provided for said purchase transaction by said payment website. 18. The system of claim 17, wherein the account holder is allowed to access at least some of the first and second transaction data via said payment website. 19. The system of claim 18, wherein said at least some of the first and second transaction data includes the validated electronic invoice. 20. The system of claim 16, wherein the authorized transaction view includes a transaction identifier for the purchase transaction. | A payment website coordinates payment transactions related to purchases by account holders from merchants. Merchants may open transactions and request authorization from the account holders' account issuers. Upon receipt of a favorable authorization response in a particular transaction, the website may permit the merchant to append an invoice to the transaction on the website for validation by the account issuer. The account issuer may confirm that the invoice meets requirements for an applicable financing program. After validation of the invoice, the payment website may contact the account holder to obtain authentication by the account holder of the invoice and the transaction.1. A method comprising:
receiving first transaction data from a merchant, the first transaction data including an account holder's payment account number, the first transaction data related to a purchase transaction; using the first transaction data to generate a transaction authorization request; routing the transaction authorization request to an account issuer; receiving an authorization response from the account issuer; receiving second transaction data from the merchant, the second transaction data related to said purchase transaction, the second transaction data including an electronic invoice; allowing the account issuer to access the electronic invoice; receiving an indication from the account issuer that the account issuer has validated the electronic invoice; sending a message to the account holder to indicate that the account issuer has validated the purchase transaction; allowing the account holder to access at least some of the first and second transaction data; receiving an indication from the account holder that the account holder authenticates the purchase transaction; and informing the merchant, the account holder and the issuer that the purchase transaction is fully authenticated. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the first transaction data is received via a payment website. 3. The method of claim 2, wherein the second transaction data is received via an authorized transaction view provided for said purchase transaction by said payment website. 4. The method of claim 3, wherein the account issuer is allowed to access the electronic invoice via an issuer validation view provided for said purchase transaction by said payment website. 5. The method of claim 4, wherein the account holder is allowed to access at least some of the first and second transaction data via said payment website. 6. The method of claim 5, wherein said at least some of the first and second transaction data includes the validated electronic invoice. 7. The method of claim 3, wherein the authorized transaction view includes a transaction identifier for the purchase transaction. 8. The method of claim 1, wherein the indication from the account issuer is received from a back office facility of the account issuer. 9. The method of claim 1, wherein the indication from the account issuer is received from a branch office of the account issuer. 10. The method of claim 1, wherein:
the message sent to the account holder includes an authentication token; and the indication received from the account holder includes said authentication token. 11. A method comprising:
hosting a payment website that includes a catalog, the catalog viewable by customers and including a plurality of entries, each of said entries representing a respective product or set of products available for sale, the products or sets of products collectively offered for sale by a plurality of merchants; receiving a plurality of indications from one of said customers, said plurality of indications including: (a) a first indication that indicates selection of a first one of said entries for purchase by said one of said customers; and (b) a second indication that indicates selection of a second one of said entries for purchase by said one of said customers; said first one of said entries representing a product offered for sale by a first one of said merchants; said second one of said entries representing a product offered for sale by a second one of said merchants; receiving a payment account number associated with said one of said customers, said payment account number identifying a payment account issued to said one of said customers by an account issuer; generating a transaction authorization request with respect to said products selected by said one of said customers; routing the transaction authorization request to said account issuer; receiving an authorization response from the account issuer; generating electronic invoices for said products selected by said one of said customers; receiving an indication from the account issuer that said account issuer has validated the electronic invoices; and informing said one of the customers, the first one of the merchants and the second one of the merchants that the customer's order is approved. 12. The method of claim 11, wherein at least some of the products are agricultural products. 13. The method of claim 11, further comprising:
facilitating settlement of the customer's order such that funds are transferred from the account issuer to said first one of the merchants and said second one of the merchants. 14. A system comprising:
a processor; and a memory in communication with the processor, the memory storing program instructions, the processor operative with the program instructions to perform functions as follows:
receiving first transaction data from a merchant, the first transaction data including an account holder's payment account number, the first transaction data related to a purchase transaction;
using the first transaction data to generate a transaction authorization request;
routing the transaction authorization request to an account issuer;
receiving an authorization response from the account issuer;
receiving second transaction data from the merchant, the second transaction data related to said purchase transaction, the second transaction data including an electronic invoice;
allowing the account issuer to access the electronic invoice;
receiving an indication from the account issuer that the account issuer has validated the electronic invoice;
sending a message to the account holder to indicate that the account issuer has validated the purchase transaction;
allowing the account holder to access at least some of the first and second transaction data;
receiving an indication from the account holder that the account holder authenticates the purchase transaction; and
informing the merchant, the account holder and the issuer that the purchase transaction is fully authenticated. 15. The system of claim 14, wherein the first transaction data is received via a payment website. 16. The system of claim 15, wherein the second transaction data is received via an authorized transaction view provided for said purchase transaction by said payment website. 17. The system of claim 16, wherein the account issuer is allowed to access the electronic invoice via an issuer validation view provided for said purchase transaction by said payment website. 18. The system of claim 17, wherein the account holder is allowed to access at least some of the first and second transaction data via said payment website. 19. The system of claim 18, wherein said at least some of the first and second transaction data includes the validated electronic invoice. 20. The system of claim 16, wherein the authorized transaction view includes a transaction identifier for the purchase transaction. | 3,600 |
12,729 | 12,729 | 12,749,445 | 3,691 | Provided herein are various exemplary methods and apparatus for implementation of futures securities custom tailored to specific clienteles; one or more variable pay-out futures contracts as devices for hedging; hedging contracts having variable pay-outs; variable payout hedging contracts having limited exposure; freezing assets of an originator of an order to buy or sell a variable pay-out contract sufficient to cover a maximum exposure of the contract; determining whether an originator of an order to buy or sell a variable pay-out contract has assets sufficient to cover the contract at the time of placing the order; determining whether an originator of an order to buy or sell a variable pay-out contract has assets sufficient to cover the contract immediately before fulfilling the order and charging a penalty to an originator of an order to buy or sell a variable pay-out contract who does not have assets sufficient to cover the contract. | 1. A method of creating an efficient market for sharing risk, the method comprising the steps of: establishing a computer-network based contract trading system electronically accessible by prospective traders; selling, over said trading system, variable pay-out contracts; subsequent to a sale of said variable pay-out contracts, accepting for resale over said trading system, any of said contracts; reselling, over said trading system, accepted contracts; settling said contracts; and assessing a fee therefore. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of establishing a computer-network based contract trading system electronically accessible by prospective traders includes establishing a computer-network based contract trading system electronically accessible by prospective traders via at least the internet. 3. The method of claim 2, further comprising providing a user interface that allows prospective traders to access said contract trading system includes providing a world-wide-web user interface. 4. The method of claim 3, wherein said user interface allows only predetermined computer-network users to view information about contracts and contracts for sale on said trading system. 5. The method of claim 1, wherein the variable pay-out contract is based on an indicator that may vary over a range of values, and the pay-out is based on a difference between the value of the indicator and a predetermined target value. 6. The method of claim 5, wherein the difference is determined upon the occurrence of a predefined event. 7. The method of claim 6, wherein the predefined event is a predetermined date and time. 8. The method of claim 6, wherein the variable pay-out contract includes a predefined upper and lower limit for the indicator and the predefined event is the indicator violating either the upper or lower limit. 9. In a computer-based contract trading system to enable the formation, sale, resale and settlement of risk management contracts, the system comprising: a communications interface for sending and receiving data; processor apparatus for executing processing modules; a first processing module for receiving data to define a desired contract for a predetermined phenomenon, the phenomenon having an outcome at a time of maturity; a second processing module, responsive to said first processing module, for generating a specific contract based on said received data, said contract comprising a contract that pays-out a value responsive to a difference between a value of a predetermined indicator at maturity and a predetermined target value of said indicator; a third processing module for offering for sale and for selling said specific contract to a trader; a fourth processing module for accepting for resale from a trader and for reselling on behalf of said trader said previously sold contracts; a fifth processing module for accepting contracts for settlement thereof; and a sixth processing module for assessing a fee therefore. 10. The computer-based contract trading system of claim 9, further comprising a seventh module for matching offers for the sale of a contract with offers to purchase a contract. 11. The computer-based contract trading system of claim 10, further comprising an eighth module that determines whether a trader of a matched offer to buy or sell a contract has sufficient assets for the sale or purchase. 12. The computer-based contract trading system of claim 11, wherein the eighth module makes the determination when an order to purchase or sell a contract is submitted to the computer-based contract trading system. 13. The computer-based contract trading system of claim 11, wherein the eighth module makes the determination when said seventh module identifies a possible match. | Provided herein are various exemplary methods and apparatus for implementation of futures securities custom tailored to specific clienteles; one or more variable pay-out futures contracts as devices for hedging; hedging contracts having variable pay-outs; variable payout hedging contracts having limited exposure; freezing assets of an originator of an order to buy or sell a variable pay-out contract sufficient to cover a maximum exposure of the contract; determining whether an originator of an order to buy or sell a variable pay-out contract has assets sufficient to cover the contract at the time of placing the order; determining whether an originator of an order to buy or sell a variable pay-out contract has assets sufficient to cover the contract immediately before fulfilling the order and charging a penalty to an originator of an order to buy or sell a variable pay-out contract who does not have assets sufficient to cover the contract.1. A method of creating an efficient market for sharing risk, the method comprising the steps of: establishing a computer-network based contract trading system electronically accessible by prospective traders; selling, over said trading system, variable pay-out contracts; subsequent to a sale of said variable pay-out contracts, accepting for resale over said trading system, any of said contracts; reselling, over said trading system, accepted contracts; settling said contracts; and assessing a fee therefore. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of establishing a computer-network based contract trading system electronically accessible by prospective traders includes establishing a computer-network based contract trading system electronically accessible by prospective traders via at least the internet. 3. The method of claim 2, further comprising providing a user interface that allows prospective traders to access said contract trading system includes providing a world-wide-web user interface. 4. The method of claim 3, wherein said user interface allows only predetermined computer-network users to view information about contracts and contracts for sale on said trading system. 5. The method of claim 1, wherein the variable pay-out contract is based on an indicator that may vary over a range of values, and the pay-out is based on a difference between the value of the indicator and a predetermined target value. 6. The method of claim 5, wherein the difference is determined upon the occurrence of a predefined event. 7. The method of claim 6, wherein the predefined event is a predetermined date and time. 8. The method of claim 6, wherein the variable pay-out contract includes a predefined upper and lower limit for the indicator and the predefined event is the indicator violating either the upper or lower limit. 9. In a computer-based contract trading system to enable the formation, sale, resale and settlement of risk management contracts, the system comprising: a communications interface for sending and receiving data; processor apparatus for executing processing modules; a first processing module for receiving data to define a desired contract for a predetermined phenomenon, the phenomenon having an outcome at a time of maturity; a second processing module, responsive to said first processing module, for generating a specific contract based on said received data, said contract comprising a contract that pays-out a value responsive to a difference between a value of a predetermined indicator at maturity and a predetermined target value of said indicator; a third processing module for offering for sale and for selling said specific contract to a trader; a fourth processing module for accepting for resale from a trader and for reselling on behalf of said trader said previously sold contracts; a fifth processing module for accepting contracts for settlement thereof; and a sixth processing module for assessing a fee therefore. 10. The computer-based contract trading system of claim 9, further comprising a seventh module for matching offers for the sale of a contract with offers to purchase a contract. 11. The computer-based contract trading system of claim 10, further comprising an eighth module that determines whether a trader of a matched offer to buy or sell a contract has sufficient assets for the sale or purchase. 12. The computer-based contract trading system of claim 11, wherein the eighth module makes the determination when an order to purchase or sell a contract is submitted to the computer-based contract trading system. 13. The computer-based contract trading system of claim 11, wherein the eighth module makes the determination when said seventh module identifies a possible match. | 3,600 |
12,730 | 12,730 | 14,449,600 | 3,688 | Modifying a number of opportunities in a customer relationship management (CRM) system includes obtaining, from a CRM system, a number of opportunities, the opportunities representing a complex record structure in the CRM system, in which each of the opportunities captures a number of fields of metadata, comparing the metadata associated with the opportunities with a number of archived opportunity templates to create a comparison, analyzing the comparison to identify a number of patterns for the opportunities, and modifying, based on the number of patterns for the opportunities, the opportunities to create at least one new opportunity. | 1-7. (canceled) 8. A system for modifying a number of opportunities in a customer relationship management (CRM) system, the system comprising:
an obtaining engine, to obtain, from a customer relationship management (CRM) system, a number of opportunities, the opportunities representing a complex record structure in the CRM system, in which each of the opportunities captures a number of fields of metadata; a comparing engine, to compare the metadata associated with the opportunities with a number of archived opportunity templates to create a comparison; an analyzing engine, to analyze the comparison to identify a number of patterns for the opportunities; a modifying engine, to modify, based on the number of patterns for the opportunities, the opportunities to create at least one new opportunity; and a storing engine to store the at least one new opportunity in the CRM system. 9. The system of claim 8, in which the metadata comprises a number of events related to the opportunities, a social graph of relationships, functions, organizations, members, social networking connections, resources, a number of areas, or combination thereof. 10. The system of claim 8, in which the modifying engine modifies, based on the number of patterns for the opportunities, the opportunities to create the at least one new opportunity by merging at least of the opportunities with another one of the opportunities in the CRM system to create the at least one new opportunity. 11. The system of claim 10, in which the modifying engine modifies, based on the number of patterns for the opportunities, the opportunities to create at least one new opportunity by splitting at least one of the opportunities to create the at least one new opportunity. 12. The system of claim 8, in which analyzing engine analyzes the comparison to identify the number of patterns for the opportunities by:
identifying, based on the metadata, a resource associated with at least one of the opportunities; and determining a score for the resource associated with at least one of the opportunities, the score representing a relationship between the opportunities and the resource. 13. The system of claim 12, in which the analyzing engine further analyzes the comparison to identify the number of patterns for the opportunities by displaying, based on the score for the resource, a list of resources that are available to be assigned to the opportunity. 14. A computer program product for modifying a number of opportunities in a customer relationship management (CRM) system, comprising:
a tangible computer readable storage medium, said tangible computer readable storage medium comprising computer readable program code embodied therewith, said computer readable program code comprising program instructions that, when executed, causes a processor to: compare metadata associated with a number of opportunities with a number of archived opportunity templates to create a comparison; analyze the comparison to identify a number of patterns for the opportunities; modify, based on the number of patterns for the opportunities, the opportunities to create at least one new opportunity; and store the at least one new opportunity in a customer relationship management (CRM) system. 15. The product of claim 14, further comprising computer readable program code comprising program instructions that, when executed, cause said processor to obtain, from the CRM system, the number of opportunities, the opportunities representing a complex record structure in the CRM system, in which each of the opportunities captures a number of fields of the metadata. 16. The product of claim 14, in which the metadata comprises a number of events related to the opportunities, a social graph of relationships, functions, organizations, members, social networking connections, resources, a number of areas, or combination thereof. 17. The product of claim 14, further comprising computer readable program code comprising program instructions that, when executed, cause said processor to merge at least of the opportunities with another one of the opportunities in the CRM system to create the at least one new opportunity. 18. The product of claim 14, further comprising computer readable program code comprising program instructions that, when executed, cause said processor to split at least one of the opportunities to create the at least one new opportunity. 19. The product of claim 14, further comprising computer readable program code comprising program instructions that, when executed, cause said processor to identify, based on the metadata, a resource associated with at least one of the opportunities and determine a score for the resource associated with at least one of the opportunities, the score representing a relationship between the opportunities and the resource. 20. The product of claim 19, further comprising computer readable program code comprising program instructions that, when executed, cause said processor to display, based on the score for the resource, a list of resources that are available to be assigned to an opportunity. | Modifying a number of opportunities in a customer relationship management (CRM) system includes obtaining, from a CRM system, a number of opportunities, the opportunities representing a complex record structure in the CRM system, in which each of the opportunities captures a number of fields of metadata, comparing the metadata associated with the opportunities with a number of archived opportunity templates to create a comparison, analyzing the comparison to identify a number of patterns for the opportunities, and modifying, based on the number of patterns for the opportunities, the opportunities to create at least one new opportunity.1-7. (canceled) 8. A system for modifying a number of opportunities in a customer relationship management (CRM) system, the system comprising:
an obtaining engine, to obtain, from a customer relationship management (CRM) system, a number of opportunities, the opportunities representing a complex record structure in the CRM system, in which each of the opportunities captures a number of fields of metadata; a comparing engine, to compare the metadata associated with the opportunities with a number of archived opportunity templates to create a comparison; an analyzing engine, to analyze the comparison to identify a number of patterns for the opportunities; a modifying engine, to modify, based on the number of patterns for the opportunities, the opportunities to create at least one new opportunity; and a storing engine to store the at least one new opportunity in the CRM system. 9. The system of claim 8, in which the metadata comprises a number of events related to the opportunities, a social graph of relationships, functions, organizations, members, social networking connections, resources, a number of areas, or combination thereof. 10. The system of claim 8, in which the modifying engine modifies, based on the number of patterns for the opportunities, the opportunities to create the at least one new opportunity by merging at least of the opportunities with another one of the opportunities in the CRM system to create the at least one new opportunity. 11. The system of claim 10, in which the modifying engine modifies, based on the number of patterns for the opportunities, the opportunities to create at least one new opportunity by splitting at least one of the opportunities to create the at least one new opportunity. 12. The system of claim 8, in which analyzing engine analyzes the comparison to identify the number of patterns for the opportunities by:
identifying, based on the metadata, a resource associated with at least one of the opportunities; and determining a score for the resource associated with at least one of the opportunities, the score representing a relationship between the opportunities and the resource. 13. The system of claim 12, in which the analyzing engine further analyzes the comparison to identify the number of patterns for the opportunities by displaying, based on the score for the resource, a list of resources that are available to be assigned to the opportunity. 14. A computer program product for modifying a number of opportunities in a customer relationship management (CRM) system, comprising:
a tangible computer readable storage medium, said tangible computer readable storage medium comprising computer readable program code embodied therewith, said computer readable program code comprising program instructions that, when executed, causes a processor to: compare metadata associated with a number of opportunities with a number of archived opportunity templates to create a comparison; analyze the comparison to identify a number of patterns for the opportunities; modify, based on the number of patterns for the opportunities, the opportunities to create at least one new opportunity; and store the at least one new opportunity in a customer relationship management (CRM) system. 15. The product of claim 14, further comprising computer readable program code comprising program instructions that, when executed, cause said processor to obtain, from the CRM system, the number of opportunities, the opportunities representing a complex record structure in the CRM system, in which each of the opportunities captures a number of fields of the metadata. 16. The product of claim 14, in which the metadata comprises a number of events related to the opportunities, a social graph of relationships, functions, organizations, members, social networking connections, resources, a number of areas, or combination thereof. 17. The product of claim 14, further comprising computer readable program code comprising program instructions that, when executed, cause said processor to merge at least of the opportunities with another one of the opportunities in the CRM system to create the at least one new opportunity. 18. The product of claim 14, further comprising computer readable program code comprising program instructions that, when executed, cause said processor to split at least one of the opportunities to create the at least one new opportunity. 19. The product of claim 14, further comprising computer readable program code comprising program instructions that, when executed, cause said processor to identify, based on the metadata, a resource associated with at least one of the opportunities and determine a score for the resource associated with at least one of the opportunities, the score representing a relationship between the opportunities and the resource. 20. The product of claim 19, further comprising computer readable program code comprising program instructions that, when executed, cause said processor to display, based on the score for the resource, a list of resources that are available to be assigned to an opportunity. | 3,600 |
12,731 | 12,731 | 14,878,207 | 3,656 | A bicycle operating device is basically provided with a support structure, a first release member, a second release member and a select member. The first release member is movably supported on the support structure between a first non-releasing position and a first releasing position. The second release member is movably supported on the support structure between a second non-releasing position and a second releasing position. The select member is movably supported on the support structure between at least a first select position and a second select position. The select member permits movement of the first release member and prevents movement of the second release member while the select member is in the first select position. The select member permits movement of the second release member and prevents movement of the first release member while the select member is in the second select position. | 1. A bicycle operating device comprising:
a support structure; a first release member movably supported on the support structure between a first non-releasing position and a first releasing position; a second release member movably supported on the support structure between a second non-releasing position and a second releasing position; and a select member movably supported on the support structure between at least a first select position and a second select position, the select member permitting movement of the first release member and preventing movement of the second release member while the select member is in the first select position, and the select member permitting movement of the second release member and preventing movement of the first release member while the select member is in the second select position. 2. The bicycle operating device according to claim 1, wherein
the first and second release members are rotatably supported on the support structure about a rotational axis. 3. The bicycle operating device according to claim 2, wherein
the first release member is axially offset from the second release member along the rotational axis. 4. The bicycle operating device according to claim 1, further comprising
a first release pawl; and a second release pawl, the first release member including a first release plate having a first pawl contact that is engaged by the first release pawl while the select member is in the first select position, and the second release member including a second release plate having a second pawl contact that is engaged by the second release pawl while the select member is in the second select position. 5. The bicycle operating device according to claim 4, further comprising
a first operating member movably supported on the support structure between a rest position and an operated position, the first and second release pawls being mounted on the first operating member. 6. The bicycle operating device according to claim 5, wherein
the first operating member is pivotally supported on the support structure. 7. The bicycle operating device according to claim 6, wherein
the first and second release members are rotatably supported on the support structure about a rotational axis, and the first operating member has a pivot axis that is coaxial with the rotational axis of the first and second release members. 8. The bicycle operating device according to claim 1, further comprising
a control body movably supporting the select member, the select member being movably arranged on the control body to move within a prescribed range relative to the control body; and a biasing element operatively coupled between the control body and the select member and biasing the select member and the control body in opposite directions relative to each other. 9. The bicycle operating device according to claim 8, wherein
the first and second release members, the select member and the control body are rotatably supported on the support structure about a rotational axis, and the biasing element biasing the control body and the select member in opposite directions relative to each other around the rotational axis. 10. The bicycle operating device according to claim 9, wherein
the control body includes a wire take-up member having an inner wire connection structure. 11. The bicycle operating device according to claim 10, wherein
the control body includes a positioning member non-movably coupled to the wire take-up member, the positioning member including a plurality of positioning teeth defining a plurality of predetermined positions of the wire take-up member. 12. The bicycle operating device according to claim 11, further comprising
a first maintaining member movably supported by the support structure to selectively move from a first maintaining position to a first non-maintaining position in response to movement of the first release member moving from the first non-releasing position to the first releasing position, the first maintaining member restricting movement of the positioning member and the wire take-up member in a first direction around the rotational axis while the first maintaining member is in the first maintaining position, and the first maintaining member permitting movement of the positioning member and the wire take-up member in the first direction around the rotational axis while the first maintaining member is in the first non-maintaining position; and a second maintaining member movably supported by the support structure to selectively move from a second maintaining position to a second non-maintaining position in response to movement of the second release member moving from the second non-releasing position to the second releasing position, the second maintaining member restricting movement of the positioning member and the wire take-up member in the first direction around the rotational axis while the second maintaining member is in the second maintaining position, and the second maintaining member permitting movement of the positioning member and the wire take-up member in the first direction around the rotational axis while the second maintaining member is in the second non-maintaining position. 13. The bicycle operating device according to claim 12, wherein
the first maintaining member includes a first maintaining pawl that is biased towards the first maintaining position to selectively engage one of the positioning teeth, and the second maintaining member includes a second maintaining pawl that is biased towards the second maintaining position to selectively engage one of the positioning teeth. 14. The bicycle operating device according to claim 12, further comprising
a first release pawl, and a second release pawl, the first release member including a first release plate having a first pawl contact that is engaged by the first release pawl while the select member is in the first select position, the second release member includes a second release plate having a second pawl contact that is engaged by the second release pawl while the select member is in the second select position, and the first and second release pawls being biased towards engagement with the first and second release plates, respectively, but held out of engagement with the first and second release plates while the first and second operating members are in the first and second rest positions, respectively. 15. The bicycle operating device according to claim 14, further comprising
a first operating member movably supported on the support structure between a rest position and an operated position, the first and second release pawls being mounted on the first operating member; and a second operating member movably arranged to rotate the positioning member and the wire take-up member in a second direction as the second operating member moves from a second rest position to a second operated position. 16. The bicycle operating device according to claim 15, wherein
the first and second operating members are configured to be biased towards the first and second rest positions, respectively. 17. The bicycle operating device according to claim 15, wherein
the positioning member includes a plurality of pulling teeth, the second operating member includes a pulling pawl that engages the pulling teeth and rotates the positioning member and the wire take-up member in a second direction about the rotational axis as the second operating member moves from the second rest position to the second operated position, the second direction is opposite to the first direction with respect to the rotational axis, and the pulling pawl is biased towards engagement with the pulling teeth while the first and second operating members are in the first and second rest positions, respectively. 18. The bicycle operating device according to claim 17, wherein
the pulling pawl is moved out of a path of the pulling teeth as the first operating member moves from the first rest position toward the first operated position. 19. The bicycle operating device according to claim 18, wherein
each of the first and second release members includes an abutment that moves the pulling pawl out of engagement with the pulling teeth as each of the first and second release members is moved by movement of the first operating member from the first rest position to the first operated position. | A bicycle operating device is basically provided with a support structure, a first release member, a second release member and a select member. The first release member is movably supported on the support structure between a first non-releasing position and a first releasing position. The second release member is movably supported on the support structure between a second non-releasing position and a second releasing position. The select member is movably supported on the support structure between at least a first select position and a second select position. The select member permits movement of the first release member and prevents movement of the second release member while the select member is in the first select position. The select member permits movement of the second release member and prevents movement of the first release member while the select member is in the second select position.1. A bicycle operating device comprising:
a support structure; a first release member movably supported on the support structure between a first non-releasing position and a first releasing position; a second release member movably supported on the support structure between a second non-releasing position and a second releasing position; and a select member movably supported on the support structure between at least a first select position and a second select position, the select member permitting movement of the first release member and preventing movement of the second release member while the select member is in the first select position, and the select member permitting movement of the second release member and preventing movement of the first release member while the select member is in the second select position. 2. The bicycle operating device according to claim 1, wherein
the first and second release members are rotatably supported on the support structure about a rotational axis. 3. The bicycle operating device according to claim 2, wherein
the first release member is axially offset from the second release member along the rotational axis. 4. The bicycle operating device according to claim 1, further comprising
a first release pawl; and a second release pawl, the first release member including a first release plate having a first pawl contact that is engaged by the first release pawl while the select member is in the first select position, and the second release member including a second release plate having a second pawl contact that is engaged by the second release pawl while the select member is in the second select position. 5. The bicycle operating device according to claim 4, further comprising
a first operating member movably supported on the support structure between a rest position and an operated position, the first and second release pawls being mounted on the first operating member. 6. The bicycle operating device according to claim 5, wherein
the first operating member is pivotally supported on the support structure. 7. The bicycle operating device according to claim 6, wherein
the first and second release members are rotatably supported on the support structure about a rotational axis, and the first operating member has a pivot axis that is coaxial with the rotational axis of the first and second release members. 8. The bicycle operating device according to claim 1, further comprising
a control body movably supporting the select member, the select member being movably arranged on the control body to move within a prescribed range relative to the control body; and a biasing element operatively coupled between the control body and the select member and biasing the select member and the control body in opposite directions relative to each other. 9. The bicycle operating device according to claim 8, wherein
the first and second release members, the select member and the control body are rotatably supported on the support structure about a rotational axis, and the biasing element biasing the control body and the select member in opposite directions relative to each other around the rotational axis. 10. The bicycle operating device according to claim 9, wherein
the control body includes a wire take-up member having an inner wire connection structure. 11. The bicycle operating device according to claim 10, wherein
the control body includes a positioning member non-movably coupled to the wire take-up member, the positioning member including a plurality of positioning teeth defining a plurality of predetermined positions of the wire take-up member. 12. The bicycle operating device according to claim 11, further comprising
a first maintaining member movably supported by the support structure to selectively move from a first maintaining position to a first non-maintaining position in response to movement of the first release member moving from the first non-releasing position to the first releasing position, the first maintaining member restricting movement of the positioning member and the wire take-up member in a first direction around the rotational axis while the first maintaining member is in the first maintaining position, and the first maintaining member permitting movement of the positioning member and the wire take-up member in the first direction around the rotational axis while the first maintaining member is in the first non-maintaining position; and a second maintaining member movably supported by the support structure to selectively move from a second maintaining position to a second non-maintaining position in response to movement of the second release member moving from the second non-releasing position to the second releasing position, the second maintaining member restricting movement of the positioning member and the wire take-up member in the first direction around the rotational axis while the second maintaining member is in the second maintaining position, and the second maintaining member permitting movement of the positioning member and the wire take-up member in the first direction around the rotational axis while the second maintaining member is in the second non-maintaining position. 13. The bicycle operating device according to claim 12, wherein
the first maintaining member includes a first maintaining pawl that is biased towards the first maintaining position to selectively engage one of the positioning teeth, and the second maintaining member includes a second maintaining pawl that is biased towards the second maintaining position to selectively engage one of the positioning teeth. 14. The bicycle operating device according to claim 12, further comprising
a first release pawl, and a second release pawl, the first release member including a first release plate having a first pawl contact that is engaged by the first release pawl while the select member is in the first select position, the second release member includes a second release plate having a second pawl contact that is engaged by the second release pawl while the select member is in the second select position, and the first and second release pawls being biased towards engagement with the first and second release plates, respectively, but held out of engagement with the first and second release plates while the first and second operating members are in the first and second rest positions, respectively. 15. The bicycle operating device according to claim 14, further comprising
a first operating member movably supported on the support structure between a rest position and an operated position, the first and second release pawls being mounted on the first operating member; and a second operating member movably arranged to rotate the positioning member and the wire take-up member in a second direction as the second operating member moves from a second rest position to a second operated position. 16. The bicycle operating device according to claim 15, wherein
the first and second operating members are configured to be biased towards the first and second rest positions, respectively. 17. The bicycle operating device according to claim 15, wherein
the positioning member includes a plurality of pulling teeth, the second operating member includes a pulling pawl that engages the pulling teeth and rotates the positioning member and the wire take-up member in a second direction about the rotational axis as the second operating member moves from the second rest position to the second operated position, the second direction is opposite to the first direction with respect to the rotational axis, and the pulling pawl is biased towards engagement with the pulling teeth while the first and second operating members are in the first and second rest positions, respectively. 18. The bicycle operating device according to claim 17, wherein
the pulling pawl is moved out of a path of the pulling teeth as the first operating member moves from the first rest position toward the first operated position. 19. The bicycle operating device according to claim 18, wherein
each of the first and second release members includes an abutment that moves the pulling pawl out of engagement with the pulling teeth as each of the first and second release members is moved by movement of the first operating member from the first rest position to the first operated position. | 3,600 |
12,732 | 12,732 | 14,278,534 | 3,686 | It is provided an analysis system comprising a processor executing a program and a memory storing the program. The analysis system further comprises a data mapping unit controlling the processor to set an attractive force and a repulsive force acting between the instances based on the similarity information between data, and arranging the instances in a vector space having a certain number of dimensions so that an energy caused by the attractive force and the repulsive force is less than a threshold defined in advance, and a clustering unit classifying the instances arranged in the vector space. The data mapping unit is configured to virtually add one dimension to the vector space, add a minute fluctuation to coordinates of the instances in a direction of the added dimension, and calculate a minimum number of dimensions of the vector space where the instances are stable with respect to the minute fluctuation. | 1. An analysis system, comprising:
a processor configured to execute a program; a memory configured to store the program, the analysis system executing the program to analyze data, the analysis system being capable of making access to a storage apparatus configured to store similarity information between data including a similarity between instances; a data mapping unit configured to control the processor to set an attractive force and a repulsive force acting between the instances based on the similarity information between data, and arrange the instances in a vector space having a certain number of dimensions so that an energy caused by the attractive force and the repulsive force is less than a threshold defined in advance; and a clustering unit configured to classify the instances arranged in the vector space, wherein the data mapping unit is further configured to virtually add one dimension to the vector space, add a minute fluctuation to coordinates of the instances in a direction of the added dimension, and calculate a minimum number of dimensions of the vector space where the instances are stable with respect to the minute fluctuation. 2. An analysis system, comprising:
a processor configured to execute a program; a memory configured to store the program, the analysis system executing the program to analyze medical data, the analysis system being capable of making access to a database configured to store medical information including an injury and illness name of a insured person and a medical action provided for the insured person, cost information on the medical action, and health checkup information including a test value acquired by a health checkup for the insured person; a insured person arrangement coordinate generation unit configured to control the processor to calculate a similarity between insured persons based on the medical information and the health checkup information, and arrange the insured persons in a vector space having the same number of dimensions based on the calculated similarity; a clustering unit configured to control the processor to classify the insured persons into clusters based on a coordinate at which each of the insured persons is arranged, and configure a pathologic transition model by using the classified clusters; a pathologic transition probability calculation unit configured to control the processor to calculate a transition probability between the classified clusters; a state characterization/reconfiguration unit configured to control the processor to reconfigure the pathologic transition model based on a cluster characterized by a specified item and a cluster determined by the characterized cluster and the transition probability; a pathologic transition/medical cost estimation unit configured to control the processor to estimate, based on the cost information on the medical action and based on one of the configured pathologic transition model or the reconfigured pathologic transition model, future state and medical cost of a disease; and a health guidance support unit configured to control the processor to select, based on the estimated future state and the estimated medical cost of the disease, a person subject to a health guidance and a content of the health guidance, wherein the insured person arrangement coordinate generation unit is further configured to: arrange the insured persons in a vector space having a certain number of dimensions so that an energy caused by an attractive force and a repulsive force acting between the insured persons set based on the similarity is less than a threshold defined in advance; virtually add one dimension to the vector space having the certain number of dimensions; add a minute fluctuation to coordinates of the insured persons in a direction of the added dimension; calculate a minimum number of dimensions of the vector space where the insured persons are stable with respect to the minute fluctuation; and arrange the insured persons in a vector space having the calculated number of dimensions. 3. The analysis system according to claim 2, wherein the health guidance support unit is further configured to:
identify a cluster to which a insured person high in similarity to a insured person subject to analysis belongs as a current state of the insured person subject to analysis; and calculate, based on a probability of transition from the identified cluster to another cluster, a probability that the insured person subject to analysis belongs to the another cluster. 4. The analysis system according to claim 2, wherein the health guidance support unit is further configured to:
replace the health checkup information on a insured person subject to analysis by an estimated value after reception of the health guidance, and then identify a cluster to which a insured person high in similarity to the insured person subject to analysis belongs; and calculate, based on a probability of transition from the identified cluster to another cluster, a probability that the insured person subject to analysis belongs to the another cluster after the reception of the health guidance. 5. The analysis system according to claim 2, wherein the state characterization/reconfiguration unit is further configured to:
characterize the cluster by means of values acquired by statistically processing values of respective items of the insured person belonging to the cluster; and generate, for an item having a statistically processed value large in separation from an average of insured persons, data for displaying the item characterizing the cluster and the statistically processed value. 6. The analysis system according to claim 2,
wherein the insured person arrangement coordinate generation unit is further configured to use an item acquired by unifying a plurality of items in the medical information to calculate the similarity between the insured persons. 7. The analysis system according to claim 2, further comprising a data formatting unit configured to control the processor to acquire a number of times of the medical action and a cost of the medical action from the medical information, to acquire the test value from the health checkup information, generate formatted information by summarizing the acquired information for each of the insured persons and for each predetermined period, and store the generated formatted information in the database,
wherein the insured person arrangement coordinate generation unit is further configured to calculate, for a certain item of the formatted information, the similarity between a first insured person and a second insured person by using a difference between a ratio of people having a value equal to or less than a value of the first insured person and a ratio of people having a value equal to or less than a value of the second insured person. 8. The analysis system according to claim 2, wherein the health guidance support unit is further configured to:
calculate an estimated effect by subtracting a second estimated medical cost acquired by replacing the test value of the insured person by a test value after the reception of the health guidance and a cost of the health guidance from the first estimated medical cost of the insured person; and select a combination of a insured person high in the calculated estimated effect and the health guidance as the person subject to the health guidance and the content of the health guidance. 9. The analysis system according to claim 2, wherein the health guidance support unit is further configured to:
calculate a first risk of developing disease based on a ratio of a transition probability of a patholigical state of the insured person to an average transition probability of the pathological state; calculate a second risk of developing disease by causing of an input of an improvement target value of the test value, and using a transition probability of the disease state acquired by replacing the test value of the insured person by the improvement target value; and compare the first risk of developing disease and the second risk of developing disease with each other, to thereby generate data of a risk reduction effect through improvement. 10. The analysis system according to claim 9, wherein the analysis system is configured to configure a pathologic transition model for at least one of diabetes, hypertension, or dyslipidemia. 11. A health business support method for supporting a health guidance by using a computer including a processor for executing a program, and a memory for storing the program, the computer being capable of making access to a database for storing medical information including an injury and illness name of a insured person and a medical action provided for the insured person, cost information on the medical action, and health checkup information including a test value acquired by a health checkup for the insured person,
the health business support method including: a insured person arrangement coordinate generation step of calculating, by the processor, a similarity between insured persons based on the medical information and the health checkup information, and arranging the insured persons in a vector space having the same number of dimensions based on the calculated similarity; a clustering step of generating, by the processor, based on a coordinate at which each of the insured persons is arranged, a cluster into which the insured person is classified, and configuring a pathologic transition model by using generated clusters; a state characterization/reconfiguration step of characterizing, by the processor, the cluster by means of a characteristic of the insured person belonging to the cluster, calculating, based on the medical information and the health checkup information, a transition probability between the generated clusters, and reconfiguring, based on the transition probability, a pathologic transition model configured by clusters characterized by a specified item; a pathologic transition/medical cost estimation step of estimating, by the processor, based on information including a cost of the medical action, and one of the configured pathologic transition model or the reconfigured pathologic transition model, future state and medical cost of a disease; and a health guidance support step of selecting, by the processor, based on the estimated state and the estimated medical cost of the disease, a person subject to a health guidance and a content of the health guidance, wherein the clustering step including steps of: setting an attractive force and a repulsive force acting between the insured persons based on the similarity between the insured persons; arranging the insured persons in a vector space having a certain number of dimensions so that an energy caused by the attractive force and the repulsive force is less than a threshold defined in advance; virtually adding one dimension to the vector space having the certain number of dimensions; adding a minute fluctuation to coordinates of the insured persons in a direction of the added dimension; calculating a minimum number of dimensions of the vector space where the insured persons are stable with respect to the minute fluctuation; and arranging the insured persons in a vector space having the calculated number of dimensions. | It is provided an analysis system comprising a processor executing a program and a memory storing the program. The analysis system further comprises a data mapping unit controlling the processor to set an attractive force and a repulsive force acting between the instances based on the similarity information between data, and arranging the instances in a vector space having a certain number of dimensions so that an energy caused by the attractive force and the repulsive force is less than a threshold defined in advance, and a clustering unit classifying the instances arranged in the vector space. The data mapping unit is configured to virtually add one dimension to the vector space, add a minute fluctuation to coordinates of the instances in a direction of the added dimension, and calculate a minimum number of dimensions of the vector space where the instances are stable with respect to the minute fluctuation.1. An analysis system, comprising:
a processor configured to execute a program; a memory configured to store the program, the analysis system executing the program to analyze data, the analysis system being capable of making access to a storage apparatus configured to store similarity information between data including a similarity between instances; a data mapping unit configured to control the processor to set an attractive force and a repulsive force acting between the instances based on the similarity information between data, and arrange the instances in a vector space having a certain number of dimensions so that an energy caused by the attractive force and the repulsive force is less than a threshold defined in advance; and a clustering unit configured to classify the instances arranged in the vector space, wherein the data mapping unit is further configured to virtually add one dimension to the vector space, add a minute fluctuation to coordinates of the instances in a direction of the added dimension, and calculate a minimum number of dimensions of the vector space where the instances are stable with respect to the minute fluctuation. 2. An analysis system, comprising:
a processor configured to execute a program; a memory configured to store the program, the analysis system executing the program to analyze medical data, the analysis system being capable of making access to a database configured to store medical information including an injury and illness name of a insured person and a medical action provided for the insured person, cost information on the medical action, and health checkup information including a test value acquired by a health checkup for the insured person; a insured person arrangement coordinate generation unit configured to control the processor to calculate a similarity between insured persons based on the medical information and the health checkup information, and arrange the insured persons in a vector space having the same number of dimensions based on the calculated similarity; a clustering unit configured to control the processor to classify the insured persons into clusters based on a coordinate at which each of the insured persons is arranged, and configure a pathologic transition model by using the classified clusters; a pathologic transition probability calculation unit configured to control the processor to calculate a transition probability between the classified clusters; a state characterization/reconfiguration unit configured to control the processor to reconfigure the pathologic transition model based on a cluster characterized by a specified item and a cluster determined by the characterized cluster and the transition probability; a pathologic transition/medical cost estimation unit configured to control the processor to estimate, based on the cost information on the medical action and based on one of the configured pathologic transition model or the reconfigured pathologic transition model, future state and medical cost of a disease; and a health guidance support unit configured to control the processor to select, based on the estimated future state and the estimated medical cost of the disease, a person subject to a health guidance and a content of the health guidance, wherein the insured person arrangement coordinate generation unit is further configured to: arrange the insured persons in a vector space having a certain number of dimensions so that an energy caused by an attractive force and a repulsive force acting between the insured persons set based on the similarity is less than a threshold defined in advance; virtually add one dimension to the vector space having the certain number of dimensions; add a minute fluctuation to coordinates of the insured persons in a direction of the added dimension; calculate a minimum number of dimensions of the vector space where the insured persons are stable with respect to the minute fluctuation; and arrange the insured persons in a vector space having the calculated number of dimensions. 3. The analysis system according to claim 2, wherein the health guidance support unit is further configured to:
identify a cluster to which a insured person high in similarity to a insured person subject to analysis belongs as a current state of the insured person subject to analysis; and calculate, based on a probability of transition from the identified cluster to another cluster, a probability that the insured person subject to analysis belongs to the another cluster. 4. The analysis system according to claim 2, wherein the health guidance support unit is further configured to:
replace the health checkup information on a insured person subject to analysis by an estimated value after reception of the health guidance, and then identify a cluster to which a insured person high in similarity to the insured person subject to analysis belongs; and calculate, based on a probability of transition from the identified cluster to another cluster, a probability that the insured person subject to analysis belongs to the another cluster after the reception of the health guidance. 5. The analysis system according to claim 2, wherein the state characterization/reconfiguration unit is further configured to:
characterize the cluster by means of values acquired by statistically processing values of respective items of the insured person belonging to the cluster; and generate, for an item having a statistically processed value large in separation from an average of insured persons, data for displaying the item characterizing the cluster and the statistically processed value. 6. The analysis system according to claim 2,
wherein the insured person arrangement coordinate generation unit is further configured to use an item acquired by unifying a plurality of items in the medical information to calculate the similarity between the insured persons. 7. The analysis system according to claim 2, further comprising a data formatting unit configured to control the processor to acquire a number of times of the medical action and a cost of the medical action from the medical information, to acquire the test value from the health checkup information, generate formatted information by summarizing the acquired information for each of the insured persons and for each predetermined period, and store the generated formatted information in the database,
wherein the insured person arrangement coordinate generation unit is further configured to calculate, for a certain item of the formatted information, the similarity between a first insured person and a second insured person by using a difference between a ratio of people having a value equal to or less than a value of the first insured person and a ratio of people having a value equal to or less than a value of the second insured person. 8. The analysis system according to claim 2, wherein the health guidance support unit is further configured to:
calculate an estimated effect by subtracting a second estimated medical cost acquired by replacing the test value of the insured person by a test value after the reception of the health guidance and a cost of the health guidance from the first estimated medical cost of the insured person; and select a combination of a insured person high in the calculated estimated effect and the health guidance as the person subject to the health guidance and the content of the health guidance. 9. The analysis system according to claim 2, wherein the health guidance support unit is further configured to:
calculate a first risk of developing disease based on a ratio of a transition probability of a patholigical state of the insured person to an average transition probability of the pathological state; calculate a second risk of developing disease by causing of an input of an improvement target value of the test value, and using a transition probability of the disease state acquired by replacing the test value of the insured person by the improvement target value; and compare the first risk of developing disease and the second risk of developing disease with each other, to thereby generate data of a risk reduction effect through improvement. 10. The analysis system according to claim 9, wherein the analysis system is configured to configure a pathologic transition model for at least one of diabetes, hypertension, or dyslipidemia. 11. A health business support method for supporting a health guidance by using a computer including a processor for executing a program, and a memory for storing the program, the computer being capable of making access to a database for storing medical information including an injury and illness name of a insured person and a medical action provided for the insured person, cost information on the medical action, and health checkup information including a test value acquired by a health checkup for the insured person,
the health business support method including: a insured person arrangement coordinate generation step of calculating, by the processor, a similarity between insured persons based on the medical information and the health checkup information, and arranging the insured persons in a vector space having the same number of dimensions based on the calculated similarity; a clustering step of generating, by the processor, based on a coordinate at which each of the insured persons is arranged, a cluster into which the insured person is classified, and configuring a pathologic transition model by using generated clusters; a state characterization/reconfiguration step of characterizing, by the processor, the cluster by means of a characteristic of the insured person belonging to the cluster, calculating, based on the medical information and the health checkup information, a transition probability between the generated clusters, and reconfiguring, based on the transition probability, a pathologic transition model configured by clusters characterized by a specified item; a pathologic transition/medical cost estimation step of estimating, by the processor, based on information including a cost of the medical action, and one of the configured pathologic transition model or the reconfigured pathologic transition model, future state and medical cost of a disease; and a health guidance support step of selecting, by the processor, based on the estimated state and the estimated medical cost of the disease, a person subject to a health guidance and a content of the health guidance, wherein the clustering step including steps of: setting an attractive force and a repulsive force acting between the insured persons based on the similarity between the insured persons; arranging the insured persons in a vector space having a certain number of dimensions so that an energy caused by the attractive force and the repulsive force is less than a threshold defined in advance; virtually adding one dimension to the vector space having the certain number of dimensions; adding a minute fluctuation to coordinates of the insured persons in a direction of the added dimension; calculating a minimum number of dimensions of the vector space where the insured persons are stable with respect to the minute fluctuation; and arranging the insured persons in a vector space having the calculated number of dimensions. | 3,600 |
12,733 | 12,733 | 13,524,880 | 3,684 | The invention is a system and a method for renting portable property. The invention includes entering identification of an article onto the Internet. Receiving a plurality of requests via network from potential lessees to rent the article for requested rental periods then occurs. Sorting occurs for the requests to rent the article according to a chronology of the requested rental periods. Then, agreeing via network to rent the article to a plurality of lessees occurs. Transferring possession of the article from a lessor to a first lessee occurs such that the first lessee is the first in the chronology of the sorted, requested rental periods. Transferring sequentially the article between lessees according to the chronology of the sorted, requested rental periods is performed. Monitoring each rental and transfer of the article is done. Then, distributing a payment for each rental of the article occurs. | 1. A method for renting portable property comprising:
entering on a processor and storage system via an information network identification of an article of portable property for rent; receiving a plurality of requests via the information network from potential lessees to rent the article for requested rental periods; sorting by the processor and storage system the requests to rent the article according to a chronology of the requested rental periods; agreeing via the information network to rent the article to a plurality of lessees according to the chronology of the requested rental periods; transferring possession of the article from a lessor to a first lessee, the first lessee being first in the chronology of the sorted, requested rental periods; transferring sequentially the article between lessees according to the chronology of the sorted, requested rental periods; monitoring for the lessor by the processor and storage system each rental and transfer of the article; and distributing by the processor and storage system a payment for each rental of the article. 2. The method for renting of claim 1 wherein the identification of the article includes a location of the article. 3. The method for renting of claim 2 wherein the identification of the article includes a rental value for the article. 4. The method for renting of claim 3 wherein the identification of the article includes a fixed or limited rental duration. 5. The method for renting of claim 3 wherein the requests by potential lessees include competitive bidding to purchase the article. 6. The method for renting of claim 3 wherein the processor and storage system calculates a reduced rental value, required deposit, or purchase price based upon predetermined criteria including the usage of the article or the age of the article. 7. The method for renting of claim 1 wherein the sorting of the requests to rent denies requests for rental periods that begin during a pending rental period. 8. The method for renting of claim 1 further comprising;
qualifying the potential lessees by the processor and storage system based upon predetermined criteria. 9. The method for renting of claim 8 wherein the predetermined criteria for qualifying the potential lessees includes a geographical location of each of the potential lessees in relation to a lessor of the article. 10. The method for renting of claim 8 wherein the predetermined criteria for qualifying the potential lessees includes a credit score for each of the potential lessees. 11. The method for renting of claim 8 wherein the predetermined criteria for qualifying the potential lessees includes a review of a numerical rating for each of the potential lessees in a database of the processor and storage system. 12. The method for renting of claim 1 wherein the monitoring by the processor and storage system includes tracking geographically a location of the article. 13. The method for renting of claim 12 wherein the tracking geographically a location of the article is by an RFID attached to the article. 14. The method for renting of claim 1 wherein the agreeing to rent the article includes selecting acceptable bids submitted by potential lessees of the article through the processor and storage device based upon predetermined criteria. 15. The method for renting of claim 14 wherein the predetermined criteria for selecting acceptable bids submitted by potential lessees of the article through the processor and storage device includes denying bids for failure of the potential lessees to submit an agreement to a minimum rental value, a minimum rental period, or a required deposit. 16. A system for renting portable property comprising:
communication devices for submitting individually a plurality of requests via an information network from potential lessees to rent an article for requested rental periods; a processor and storage system in communication with the communication devices via the information network whereby a. identification of the article of portable property for rent can be entered and displayed; b. requests to rent the article can be sorted according to a chronology of the requested rental periods; c. agreements can be made via the information network to rent the article to a plurality of lessees according to the chronology of the requested rental periods; d. entry is received of possession of the article from a lessor to a first lessee, the first lessee being first in the chronology of the sorted, requested rental periods; and
sequential transfers the article between lessees according to the chronology of the sorted, requested rental periods;
e. the lessor can monitor each rental and transfer of the article; and
f. distribute a payment for each rental of the article. | The invention is a system and a method for renting portable property. The invention includes entering identification of an article onto the Internet. Receiving a plurality of requests via network from potential lessees to rent the article for requested rental periods then occurs. Sorting occurs for the requests to rent the article according to a chronology of the requested rental periods. Then, agreeing via network to rent the article to a plurality of lessees occurs. Transferring possession of the article from a lessor to a first lessee occurs such that the first lessee is the first in the chronology of the sorted, requested rental periods. Transferring sequentially the article between lessees according to the chronology of the sorted, requested rental periods is performed. Monitoring each rental and transfer of the article is done. Then, distributing a payment for each rental of the article occurs.1. A method for renting portable property comprising:
entering on a processor and storage system via an information network identification of an article of portable property for rent; receiving a plurality of requests via the information network from potential lessees to rent the article for requested rental periods; sorting by the processor and storage system the requests to rent the article according to a chronology of the requested rental periods; agreeing via the information network to rent the article to a plurality of lessees according to the chronology of the requested rental periods; transferring possession of the article from a lessor to a first lessee, the first lessee being first in the chronology of the sorted, requested rental periods; transferring sequentially the article between lessees according to the chronology of the sorted, requested rental periods; monitoring for the lessor by the processor and storage system each rental and transfer of the article; and distributing by the processor and storage system a payment for each rental of the article. 2. The method for renting of claim 1 wherein the identification of the article includes a location of the article. 3. The method for renting of claim 2 wherein the identification of the article includes a rental value for the article. 4. The method for renting of claim 3 wherein the identification of the article includes a fixed or limited rental duration. 5. The method for renting of claim 3 wherein the requests by potential lessees include competitive bidding to purchase the article. 6. The method for renting of claim 3 wherein the processor and storage system calculates a reduced rental value, required deposit, or purchase price based upon predetermined criteria including the usage of the article or the age of the article. 7. The method for renting of claim 1 wherein the sorting of the requests to rent denies requests for rental periods that begin during a pending rental period. 8. The method for renting of claim 1 further comprising;
qualifying the potential lessees by the processor and storage system based upon predetermined criteria. 9. The method for renting of claim 8 wherein the predetermined criteria for qualifying the potential lessees includes a geographical location of each of the potential lessees in relation to a lessor of the article. 10. The method for renting of claim 8 wherein the predetermined criteria for qualifying the potential lessees includes a credit score for each of the potential lessees. 11. The method for renting of claim 8 wherein the predetermined criteria for qualifying the potential lessees includes a review of a numerical rating for each of the potential lessees in a database of the processor and storage system. 12. The method for renting of claim 1 wherein the monitoring by the processor and storage system includes tracking geographically a location of the article. 13. The method for renting of claim 12 wherein the tracking geographically a location of the article is by an RFID attached to the article. 14. The method for renting of claim 1 wherein the agreeing to rent the article includes selecting acceptable bids submitted by potential lessees of the article through the processor and storage device based upon predetermined criteria. 15. The method for renting of claim 14 wherein the predetermined criteria for selecting acceptable bids submitted by potential lessees of the article through the processor and storage device includes denying bids for failure of the potential lessees to submit an agreement to a minimum rental value, a minimum rental period, or a required deposit. 16. A system for renting portable property comprising:
communication devices for submitting individually a plurality of requests via an information network from potential lessees to rent an article for requested rental periods; a processor and storage system in communication with the communication devices via the information network whereby a. identification of the article of portable property for rent can be entered and displayed; b. requests to rent the article can be sorted according to a chronology of the requested rental periods; c. agreements can be made via the information network to rent the article to a plurality of lessees according to the chronology of the requested rental periods; d. entry is received of possession of the article from a lessor to a first lessee, the first lessee being first in the chronology of the sorted, requested rental periods; and
sequential transfers the article between lessees according to the chronology of the sorted, requested rental periods;
e. the lessor can monitor each rental and transfer of the article; and
f. distribute a payment for each rental of the article. | 3,600 |
12,734 | 12,734 | 13,555,576 | 3,684 | Provided is a system, method and program product for facilitating multiple barter transactions between users. Embodiments provide barter chains that begin and end with different participants. Embodiments provide a participant in the barter chain may an altruistic donation expecting nothing in return. Embodiments provide that multiple items of varying value comprise a barter transaction. Embodiments provide that the barter market operator can be a participant and seed the barter chain with one or more items. Embodiments provide that a participant can sell items received or donate them altruistically to start a new barter chain. | 1. A system comprising:
a processor; a memory in communication with the processor; and computer readable program executable by the processor and configured to: receive, store, and process information from two or more participants concerning attributes of items they are interested in giving or receiving, create a barter chain by constructing one or more barter legs that enable, based upon said information, each participant of the chain to accomplish a desired trade, donation, or receipt of one or more items through donation; and display to each of the one or more participants information to accomplish the participant's desired trade, donation, or receipt of one or more items through donation. 2. The system of claim 1, wherein said information from the one or more participants comprises pairs of sets of sets of items. 3. The system of claim 1, wherein the barter chain ends with the last participant receiving one or more items with the last participant giving no items. 4. The system of claim 1, wherein said barter chain ends with the last participant giving one or more items to charity or one or more non-participants. 5. The system of claim 1, wherein said barter chain ends with the last participant giving one or more items he was willing to trade in consideration for the one or more items that he received, to begin a new barter chain. 6. The system of claim 1, wherein the set of items that the last participant gives to start a new barter chain includes one or more items that he received at the end of a barter chain. 7. The system of claim 1, wherein said barter chain ends with selling one or more items that the last participant was willing to trade in consideration for the one or more items the last participant received. 8. The system of claim 1, wherein a participant gives more than one item to create a barter chain leg. 9. The system of claim 1, wherein the items are commercial goods or services. 10. The system of claim 1, wherein a first participant in the barter chain gives one or more items without consideration to begin the barter chain. 11. The system of claim 1, wherein the barter market operator is a participant and gives one or more items into one or more barter chains. 12. A program product comprising:
a computer readable storage medium having computer readable program code embodied therewith, the computer readable program code configured to operate a computing device to perform acts comprising: receiving, storing , and processing information from two or more participants concerning attributes of items the participants are interested in giving or receiving, create a barter chain by constructing one or more barter legs that enable, based upon said information, each participant of the chain to accomplish a desired trade, donation, or receipt of one or more items through donation; and display to each of the one or more participants information to accomplish the participant's desired trade, donation, or receipt of one or more items through donation. 13. The program product of claim 12, wherein said information from the one or more participants comprises pairs of sets of sets of items. 14. The program product of claim 12, wherein the barter chain ends with the last participant receiving one or more items with the last participant giving no items. 15. The program product of claim 12, wherein said barter chain ends with the last participant giving one or more items to charity or one or more non-participants. 16. The program product of claim 12, wherein said barter chain ends with the last participant giving one or more items he was willing to trade in consideration for the one or more items that he received, to begin a new barter chain. 17. The program product of claim 12, wherein said barter chain ends with selling one or more items that the last participant was willing to trade in consideration for the one or more items the last participant received. 18. The program product of claim 12, wherein a participant gives more than one item to create a barter chain leg. 19. The program product of claim 12, wherein a first participant in the barter chain gives one or more items without consideration to begin the barter chain. 20. The program product of claim 12, wherein the barter market operator is a participant and gives one or more items into one or more barter chains. 21. A method comprising:
receiving at an electronic device information from two or more participants concerning attributes of items for inclusion in a barter chain, processing the information from the two or more participants concerning attributes of the items to associate the items with a barter chain; storing the processed information in a memory device; accessing the processed information in the memory device to create at least a barter leg of a suggested barter chain; said suggested barter chain including one or more barter legs that comprise one or more of a trade of items, a donation of one or more items, or a receipt of one or more items through donation; and transmitting from the electronic device to the one or more participant devices information for displaying at least a portion of the suggested barter chain. | Provided is a system, method and program product for facilitating multiple barter transactions between users. Embodiments provide barter chains that begin and end with different participants. Embodiments provide a participant in the barter chain may an altruistic donation expecting nothing in return. Embodiments provide that multiple items of varying value comprise a barter transaction. Embodiments provide that the barter market operator can be a participant and seed the barter chain with one or more items. Embodiments provide that a participant can sell items received or donate them altruistically to start a new barter chain.1. A system comprising:
a processor; a memory in communication with the processor; and computer readable program executable by the processor and configured to: receive, store, and process information from two or more participants concerning attributes of items they are interested in giving or receiving, create a barter chain by constructing one or more barter legs that enable, based upon said information, each participant of the chain to accomplish a desired trade, donation, or receipt of one or more items through donation; and display to each of the one or more participants information to accomplish the participant's desired trade, donation, or receipt of one or more items through donation. 2. The system of claim 1, wherein said information from the one or more participants comprises pairs of sets of sets of items. 3. The system of claim 1, wherein the barter chain ends with the last participant receiving one or more items with the last participant giving no items. 4. The system of claim 1, wherein said barter chain ends with the last participant giving one or more items to charity or one or more non-participants. 5. The system of claim 1, wherein said barter chain ends with the last participant giving one or more items he was willing to trade in consideration for the one or more items that he received, to begin a new barter chain. 6. The system of claim 1, wherein the set of items that the last participant gives to start a new barter chain includes one or more items that he received at the end of a barter chain. 7. The system of claim 1, wherein said barter chain ends with selling one or more items that the last participant was willing to trade in consideration for the one or more items the last participant received. 8. The system of claim 1, wherein a participant gives more than one item to create a barter chain leg. 9. The system of claim 1, wherein the items are commercial goods or services. 10. The system of claim 1, wherein a first participant in the barter chain gives one or more items without consideration to begin the barter chain. 11. The system of claim 1, wherein the barter market operator is a participant and gives one or more items into one or more barter chains. 12. A program product comprising:
a computer readable storage medium having computer readable program code embodied therewith, the computer readable program code configured to operate a computing device to perform acts comprising: receiving, storing , and processing information from two or more participants concerning attributes of items the participants are interested in giving or receiving, create a barter chain by constructing one or more barter legs that enable, based upon said information, each participant of the chain to accomplish a desired trade, donation, or receipt of one or more items through donation; and display to each of the one or more participants information to accomplish the participant's desired trade, donation, or receipt of one or more items through donation. 13. The program product of claim 12, wherein said information from the one or more participants comprises pairs of sets of sets of items. 14. The program product of claim 12, wherein the barter chain ends with the last participant receiving one or more items with the last participant giving no items. 15. The program product of claim 12, wherein said barter chain ends with the last participant giving one or more items to charity or one or more non-participants. 16. The program product of claim 12, wherein said barter chain ends with the last participant giving one or more items he was willing to trade in consideration for the one or more items that he received, to begin a new barter chain. 17. The program product of claim 12, wherein said barter chain ends with selling one or more items that the last participant was willing to trade in consideration for the one or more items the last participant received. 18. The program product of claim 12, wherein a participant gives more than one item to create a barter chain leg. 19. The program product of claim 12, wherein a first participant in the barter chain gives one or more items without consideration to begin the barter chain. 20. The program product of claim 12, wherein the barter market operator is a participant and gives one or more items into one or more barter chains. 21. A method comprising:
receiving at an electronic device information from two or more participants concerning attributes of items for inclusion in a barter chain, processing the information from the two or more participants concerning attributes of the items to associate the items with a barter chain; storing the processed information in a memory device; accessing the processed information in the memory device to create at least a barter leg of a suggested barter chain; said suggested barter chain including one or more barter legs that comprise one or more of a trade of items, a donation of one or more items, or a receipt of one or more items through donation; and transmitting from the electronic device to the one or more participant devices information for displaying at least a portion of the suggested barter chain. | 3,600 |
12,735 | 12,735 | 15,116,504 | 3,633 | A hermetically-sealed enclosure including at least two wall elements of substantially congruent shapes, and a spacer system that defines an interior space between the wall elements. The enclosure also includes a bridge element that has one or more flexible metal foil layers extending between adjacent, respective edges of the wall elements to isolate the interior space from a surrounding environment. The bridge element is substantially free of step discontinuities in total thickness along the intended weld path, and the bridge element is bonded to each of the wall elements via an ultrasonic weld to form a continuous bond line. | 1. A hermetically-sealed enclosure comprising:
at least two wall elements of substantially congruent shapes; a spacer system defining an interior space between the wall elements; and a bridge element including one or more flexible metal foil layers extending between adjacent, respective edges of the wall elements to isolate the interior space from a surrounding environment, wherein the bridge element is substantially free of step discontinuities in total thickness along the intended weld path, and wherein the bridge element is bonded to each of the wall elements via an ultrasonic weld to form a continuous bond line. 2. The enclosure of claim 1, wherein the wall elements include glass. 3. The enclosure of claim 1, wherein the bridge element includes a first foil layer and a second foil layer that is thicker than the first foil layer. 4. The enclosure of claim 3, wherein the first foil layer is defined by two pieces of foil having a butt joint, and wherein the second foil layer overlays the butt joint. 5. The enclosure of claim 1, wherein each foil layer is fabricated from a single sheet of foil. 6. The enclosure of claim 1, wherein at least one foil layer includes separate pieces of foil that are hermetically bonded at a joint between the separate pieces of foil, and wherein at least one of the joints crosses the bond line. 7. The enclosure of claim 1, wherein the bridge element is bonded via an ultrasonic weld that forms a plurality of bond lines, and wherein at least part of at least one bond line is defined by a plurality of ultrasonic weld segments overlapping at or near their adjacent ends. 8. The enclosure of claim 1, wherein the bridge element is bonded via an ultrasonic weld that forms a plurality of bond lines, wherein at least part of at least one bond line has first and second ultrasonic weld segments that are adjacent and substantially parallel to each other, and wherein the second ultrasonic weld segment overlaps the first ultrasonic weld segment. 9. The enclosure of claim 1, wherein at least one bond line is made to a coated surface of a wall element without removal of the coating from the bond line region. 10. The enclosure of claim 1, wherein at least one bond line is made to a coated surface of a wall element, and wherein the coating has been removed in the region of the bond line by chemical edge deletion. 11. A method for manufacturing a hermetically-sealed enclosure, the method comprising:
assembling first and second wall elements of substantially congruent shapes together and separating the two wall elements from each other to form a space; extending a bridge element between adjacent, respective edges of the wall elements, the bridge element including one or more layers of flexible metal foil, and the bridge element being substantially free of step discontinuities in total thickness; bonding the bridge element to the first wall element by ultrasonic welding to form a continuous bond on the first wall element; and bonding the bridge element to the second wall element by ultrasonic welding to form a continuous bond on the second wall element. 12. The method of claim 11, further comprising bonding first and second foil layers to at least one of the first wall element and the second wall element. 13. The method of claim 12, wherein each of the first and second layers is fabricated from a single sheet of foil. 14. The method of claim 12, wherein the first foil layer is defined by two pieces of foil having a butt joint, and wherein the second foil layer overlays the butt joint. 15. The enclosure of claim 11, wherein at least one foil layer includes separate pieces of foil that are hermetically bonded at a joint between the separate pieces of foil, and wherein at least one of the joints crosses the bond line. 16. The method of claim 11, wherein at least one layer of the bridge element includes separate pieces that are hermetically bonded at joints, and wherein at least one of the joints crosses a bond line formed by bonding the bridge element to the first wall element, or a bond line formed by bonding the bridge element to the second wall element. 17. The method of claim 11, further comprising forming a plurality of ultrasonic weld segments that overlap at least one of the bonds at or near their adjacent ends. 18. The method of claim 11, wherein at least one bond formed by the bonding steps is made to a coated surface of a wall element without removal of the coating from the weld path region. 19. The method of claim 11, wherein at least one bond formed by the bonding steps is made to a coated surface of a wall element, and wherein the coating has been removed in the region of the weld path by chemical edge deletion. 20. An insulated glazing unit comprising:
a first flat panel element; a second flat panel element, the first and second flat panel elements having congruent shapes; and a plurality of spacers disposed between the first flat panel element and the second flat panel element to space the first flat panel element from the second flat panel element; and a bridge element including one or more flexible metal foil layers extending between adjacent, respective edges of first and second flat panel elements to isolate the interior space from a surrounding environment, wherein the bridge element is substantially free of step discontinuities in total thickness along the intended weld path, and wherein the bridge element is bonded to each of the wall elements via an ultrasonic weld to form a continuous bond line. | A hermetically-sealed enclosure including at least two wall elements of substantially congruent shapes, and a spacer system that defines an interior space between the wall elements. The enclosure also includes a bridge element that has one or more flexible metal foil layers extending between adjacent, respective edges of the wall elements to isolate the interior space from a surrounding environment. The bridge element is substantially free of step discontinuities in total thickness along the intended weld path, and the bridge element is bonded to each of the wall elements via an ultrasonic weld to form a continuous bond line.1. A hermetically-sealed enclosure comprising:
at least two wall elements of substantially congruent shapes; a spacer system defining an interior space between the wall elements; and a bridge element including one or more flexible metal foil layers extending between adjacent, respective edges of the wall elements to isolate the interior space from a surrounding environment, wherein the bridge element is substantially free of step discontinuities in total thickness along the intended weld path, and wherein the bridge element is bonded to each of the wall elements via an ultrasonic weld to form a continuous bond line. 2. The enclosure of claim 1, wherein the wall elements include glass. 3. The enclosure of claim 1, wherein the bridge element includes a first foil layer and a second foil layer that is thicker than the first foil layer. 4. The enclosure of claim 3, wherein the first foil layer is defined by two pieces of foil having a butt joint, and wherein the second foil layer overlays the butt joint. 5. The enclosure of claim 1, wherein each foil layer is fabricated from a single sheet of foil. 6. The enclosure of claim 1, wherein at least one foil layer includes separate pieces of foil that are hermetically bonded at a joint between the separate pieces of foil, and wherein at least one of the joints crosses the bond line. 7. The enclosure of claim 1, wherein the bridge element is bonded via an ultrasonic weld that forms a plurality of bond lines, and wherein at least part of at least one bond line is defined by a plurality of ultrasonic weld segments overlapping at or near their adjacent ends. 8. The enclosure of claim 1, wherein the bridge element is bonded via an ultrasonic weld that forms a plurality of bond lines, wherein at least part of at least one bond line has first and second ultrasonic weld segments that are adjacent and substantially parallel to each other, and wherein the second ultrasonic weld segment overlaps the first ultrasonic weld segment. 9. The enclosure of claim 1, wherein at least one bond line is made to a coated surface of a wall element without removal of the coating from the bond line region. 10. The enclosure of claim 1, wherein at least one bond line is made to a coated surface of a wall element, and wherein the coating has been removed in the region of the bond line by chemical edge deletion. 11. A method for manufacturing a hermetically-sealed enclosure, the method comprising:
assembling first and second wall elements of substantially congruent shapes together and separating the two wall elements from each other to form a space; extending a bridge element between adjacent, respective edges of the wall elements, the bridge element including one or more layers of flexible metal foil, and the bridge element being substantially free of step discontinuities in total thickness; bonding the bridge element to the first wall element by ultrasonic welding to form a continuous bond on the first wall element; and bonding the bridge element to the second wall element by ultrasonic welding to form a continuous bond on the second wall element. 12. The method of claim 11, further comprising bonding first and second foil layers to at least one of the first wall element and the second wall element. 13. The method of claim 12, wherein each of the first and second layers is fabricated from a single sheet of foil. 14. The method of claim 12, wherein the first foil layer is defined by two pieces of foil having a butt joint, and wherein the second foil layer overlays the butt joint. 15. The enclosure of claim 11, wherein at least one foil layer includes separate pieces of foil that are hermetically bonded at a joint between the separate pieces of foil, and wherein at least one of the joints crosses the bond line. 16. The method of claim 11, wherein at least one layer of the bridge element includes separate pieces that are hermetically bonded at joints, and wherein at least one of the joints crosses a bond line formed by bonding the bridge element to the first wall element, or a bond line formed by bonding the bridge element to the second wall element. 17. The method of claim 11, further comprising forming a plurality of ultrasonic weld segments that overlap at least one of the bonds at or near their adjacent ends. 18. The method of claim 11, wherein at least one bond formed by the bonding steps is made to a coated surface of a wall element without removal of the coating from the weld path region. 19. The method of claim 11, wherein at least one bond formed by the bonding steps is made to a coated surface of a wall element, and wherein the coating has been removed in the region of the weld path by chemical edge deletion. 20. An insulated glazing unit comprising:
a first flat panel element; a second flat panel element, the first and second flat panel elements having congruent shapes; and a plurality of spacers disposed between the first flat panel element and the second flat panel element to space the first flat panel element from the second flat panel element; and a bridge element including one or more flexible metal foil layers extending between adjacent, respective edges of first and second flat panel elements to isolate the interior space from a surrounding environment, wherein the bridge element is substantially free of step discontinuities in total thickness along the intended weld path, and wherein the bridge element is bonded to each of the wall elements via an ultrasonic weld to form a continuous bond line. | 3,600 |
12,736 | 12,736 | 13,816,757 | 3,651 | A dispensing apparatus combination includes a sheet product dispensing unit and a cartridge configured to support sheet product, the cartridge being so dimensioned and configured such that it can be located in operable communication with the dispensing unit. The cartridge includes a dispensing opening, and the dispensing unit includes an entry opening and a dispensing opening. The dispensing opening of the cartridge is disposed proximate the entry opening of the dispensing unit when the cartridge is located in operable communication with the dispensing unit such that sheet product is able to pass from the cartridge through the dispensing opening of the cartridge, through the entry opening of the dispensing unit, and through the dispensing opening of the dispensing unit, under a control of the dispensing unit. | 1. A dispensing apparatus combination, comprising:
a sheet product dispensing unit; and a cartridge configured to support sheet product; the cartridge being so dimensioned and configured such that it can be located in operable communication with the dispensing unit; the cartridge comprising a dispensing opening; the dispensing unit comprising an entry opening and a dispensing opening; the dispensing opening of the cartridge being disposed proximate the entry opening of the dispensing unit when the cartridge is located in operable communication with the dispensing unit such that sheet product is able to pass from the cartridge through the dispensing opening of the cartridge, through the entry opening of the dispensing unit, and through the dispensing opening of the dispensing unit, under a control of the dispensing unit. 2. The dispensing apparatus combination of claim 1, wherein:
the cartridge is separable from the dispensing unit; the dispensing unit further comprises a housing, a motor disposed within the housing, a drive roller in operable communication with the motor, a pinch roller disposed proximate the drive roller, an actuation mechanism disposed in operable communication with the motor to facilitate actuation of the motor, and wherein the dispensing opening is disposed proximate the drive roller and the pinch roller; the cartridge further comprises an enclosure comprising a removable section that defines the dispensing opening of the cartridge, and sheet product being disposed within the enclosure in such a manner as to be dispensable through the dispensing opening of the cartridge subsequent to removal of the removable section; and at least a portion of the cartridge is disposed outside of the housing of the dispensing unit. 3. The apparatus combination of claim 1, wherein:
the dispensing unit further comprises a drive mechanism and a sensor disposed in signal communication with the drive mechanism, the drive mechanism being responsive to a dispense signal from the sensor to dispense sheet product. 4. The apparatus combination of claim 1, wherein the sheet product is a roll of sheet product, a plurality of interfolded sheet product leaves, or a continuous z-fold sheet. 5. The apparatus combination of claim 2, wherein the actuation mechanism comprises a proximity sensor, a manual pushbutton, or tear bar sensor. 6. The apparatus combination of claim 1, wherein:
the dispensing unit further comprises a verification feature; and the cartridge further comprises a rejection feature disposed and configured for operably communicating with the verification feature. 7. The apparatus combination of claim 3, wherein the dispensing unit comprises an enable switch, the cartridge engaging with the enable switch when engaged with the dispensing unit, the enable switch being disposed in signal communication with the drive mechanism to enable dispensing of the sheet product from the cartridge. 8. The apparatus combination of claim 6, wherein:
the rejection feature comprises an indentation disposed on the enclosure, a projection disposed on the enclosure, an RFID tag disposed on the enclosure, an IR reflective surface disposed on the enclosure, a machine-identifiable marking disposed on the enclosure, a magnetic region disposed on the enclosure, a machine-optically-recognizable character disposed on the enclosure, a phosphoresce region disposed on the enclosure, a starch marker disposed on the enclosure, an IC chip disposed on the enclosure, a conductive strip disposed on the enclosure, a conductive strip disposed on the sheet product, or any combination of the foregoing indentation, projection, RFID tag, IR reflective surface, machine-identifiable marking, magnetic region, machine-optically-recognizable character, phosphoresce region, starch marker, IC chip, and conductive strip; and the verification feature is complementary to the respective rejection feature so as to verify that an authorized cartridge having the respective rejection feature is installed in the dispensing unit. 9. A dispensing apparatus for dispensing sheet product from a cartridge, comprising:
a dispensing unit comprising a receiving port so configured and dimensioned as to receive at least a portion of a cartridge configured to support sheet product to be dispensed, an entry opening disposed for receiving sheet product from the cartridge, and a dispensing opening disposed for dispensing sheet product from the dispensing unit; the dispensing unit further comprising a drive mechanism and a sensor disposed in signal communication with the drive mechanism, the drive mechanism being responsive to a dispense signal from the sensor to dispense sheet product. 10. The dispensing apparatus of claim 9, wherein:
the dispensing unit further comprises a housing, a motor disposed within the housing, a drive roller in operable communication with the motor, a pinch roller disposed proximate the drive roller, an actuation mechanism disposed in operable communication with the motor to facilitate actuation of the motor, and wherein the dispensing opening is disposed proximate the drive roller and the pinch roller; the drive roller and the pinch roller being disposed to facilitate dispensing of the sheet product from the cartridge through the dispensing opening. 11. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein:
the drive mechanism is responsive to a dispense signal from the sensor to dispense sheet product from the cartridge on demand, the sensor being responsive to a user causing the sensor to generate the dispense signal in an on-demand-mode manner. 12. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the sheet product is a roll of sheet product, a plurality of interfolded sheet product leaves, or a continuous z-fold sheet. 13. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the dispensing unit further comprises an enable switch disposed to be actuated by the cartridge when the cartridge is disposed in operable communication with the receiving port of the dispensing unit, the enable switch being disposed in signal communication with the drive mechanism to enable dispensing of the sheet product from the cartridge. 14. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the cartridge includes a rejection feature, and further wherein:
the dispensing unit further comprises a controller disposed in operable communication with the motor to facilitate actuation of the motor, and a verification feature disposed in operable communication with the receiving port and the controller, the verification feature being disposed and configured to verify presence of the rejection feature of the cartridge, and to communicate such verification to the controller, such verification being verification that an authorized cartridge having a complementary rejection feature is installed in the dispensing unit. 15. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the actuation mechanism comprises a proximity sensor, a manual pushbutton, or a tear bar sensor. 16. A cartridge for a sheet product dispenser, the cartridge comprising:
an enclosure comprising a removable section that defines a dispensing opening, and a rejection feature disposed and configured for communicating with a verification feature associated with a sheet product dispenser; and sheet product disposed within the enclosure in such a manner as to be dispensable through the dispensing opening subsequent to removal of the removable section; wherein the rejection and verification features comprise complementary passive rejection and verification features, complementary active rejection and verification features, or a combination of complementary passive and active rejection and verification features. 17. The cartridge of claim 16, wherein:
the rejection feature comprises an indentation, void or recess disposed on the enclosure, a projection disposed on the enclosure, an RFID tag disposed on the enclosure, an IR reflective surface disposed on the enclosure, a machine-identifiable marking disposed on the enclosure, a magnetic region disposed on the enclosure, a machine-optically-recognizable character disposed on the enclosure, a phosphoresce region disposed on the enclosure, a starch marker disposed on the enclosure, an IC chip disposed on the enclosure, a conductive strip disposed on the enclosure, a conductive strip disposed on the sheet product, or any combination of the foregoing indentation, projection, RFID tag, IR reflective surface, machine-identifiable marking, magnetic region, machine-optically-recognizable character, phosphoresce region, starch marker, IC chip, and conductive strip. 18. The cartridge of claim 16, further comprising:
inwardly extending protrusions on opposing ends of the enclosure that define pivots, wherein the sheet product is a roll of sheet product pivotally disposed upon the inwardly extending protrusions. 19. The cartridge of claim 18, wherein the inwardly extending protrusions are cylindrically shaped trunnions. 20. The cartridge of claim 18, wherein the inwardly extending protrusions are formed from inwardly displaced portions of the opposing ends of the enclosure. 21. The cartridge of claim 16, wherein the sheet product is a plurality of discrete sheets disposed in such a manner relative to one another so as to be dispensable through the dispensing opening one after the other in succession. 22. The cartridge of claim 21, wherein the discrete sheets are interfolded u-fold sheets or interfolded z-fold sheets. 23. The cartridge of claim 16, wherein the enclosure comprises at least one deformable section that is movable from a first position suitable for packaging, storing and transporting, to a second position suitable for engagement with the sheet product dispenser, wherein the enclosure, with the at least one deformable section disposed in the second position, is engageable with the sheet product dispenser such that the at least one deformable section supports the enclosure against the influence of gravity when the sheet product dispenser is located underneath a support structure. | A dispensing apparatus combination includes a sheet product dispensing unit and a cartridge configured to support sheet product, the cartridge being so dimensioned and configured such that it can be located in operable communication with the dispensing unit. The cartridge includes a dispensing opening, and the dispensing unit includes an entry opening and a dispensing opening. The dispensing opening of the cartridge is disposed proximate the entry opening of the dispensing unit when the cartridge is located in operable communication with the dispensing unit such that sheet product is able to pass from the cartridge through the dispensing opening of the cartridge, through the entry opening of the dispensing unit, and through the dispensing opening of the dispensing unit, under a control of the dispensing unit.1. A dispensing apparatus combination, comprising:
a sheet product dispensing unit; and a cartridge configured to support sheet product; the cartridge being so dimensioned and configured such that it can be located in operable communication with the dispensing unit; the cartridge comprising a dispensing opening; the dispensing unit comprising an entry opening and a dispensing opening; the dispensing opening of the cartridge being disposed proximate the entry opening of the dispensing unit when the cartridge is located in operable communication with the dispensing unit such that sheet product is able to pass from the cartridge through the dispensing opening of the cartridge, through the entry opening of the dispensing unit, and through the dispensing opening of the dispensing unit, under a control of the dispensing unit. 2. The dispensing apparatus combination of claim 1, wherein:
the cartridge is separable from the dispensing unit; the dispensing unit further comprises a housing, a motor disposed within the housing, a drive roller in operable communication with the motor, a pinch roller disposed proximate the drive roller, an actuation mechanism disposed in operable communication with the motor to facilitate actuation of the motor, and wherein the dispensing opening is disposed proximate the drive roller and the pinch roller; the cartridge further comprises an enclosure comprising a removable section that defines the dispensing opening of the cartridge, and sheet product being disposed within the enclosure in such a manner as to be dispensable through the dispensing opening of the cartridge subsequent to removal of the removable section; and at least a portion of the cartridge is disposed outside of the housing of the dispensing unit. 3. The apparatus combination of claim 1, wherein:
the dispensing unit further comprises a drive mechanism and a sensor disposed in signal communication with the drive mechanism, the drive mechanism being responsive to a dispense signal from the sensor to dispense sheet product. 4. The apparatus combination of claim 1, wherein the sheet product is a roll of sheet product, a plurality of interfolded sheet product leaves, or a continuous z-fold sheet. 5. The apparatus combination of claim 2, wherein the actuation mechanism comprises a proximity sensor, a manual pushbutton, or tear bar sensor. 6. The apparatus combination of claim 1, wherein:
the dispensing unit further comprises a verification feature; and the cartridge further comprises a rejection feature disposed and configured for operably communicating with the verification feature. 7. The apparatus combination of claim 3, wherein the dispensing unit comprises an enable switch, the cartridge engaging with the enable switch when engaged with the dispensing unit, the enable switch being disposed in signal communication with the drive mechanism to enable dispensing of the sheet product from the cartridge. 8. The apparatus combination of claim 6, wherein:
the rejection feature comprises an indentation disposed on the enclosure, a projection disposed on the enclosure, an RFID tag disposed on the enclosure, an IR reflective surface disposed on the enclosure, a machine-identifiable marking disposed on the enclosure, a magnetic region disposed on the enclosure, a machine-optically-recognizable character disposed on the enclosure, a phosphoresce region disposed on the enclosure, a starch marker disposed on the enclosure, an IC chip disposed on the enclosure, a conductive strip disposed on the enclosure, a conductive strip disposed on the sheet product, or any combination of the foregoing indentation, projection, RFID tag, IR reflective surface, machine-identifiable marking, magnetic region, machine-optically-recognizable character, phosphoresce region, starch marker, IC chip, and conductive strip; and the verification feature is complementary to the respective rejection feature so as to verify that an authorized cartridge having the respective rejection feature is installed in the dispensing unit. 9. A dispensing apparatus for dispensing sheet product from a cartridge, comprising:
a dispensing unit comprising a receiving port so configured and dimensioned as to receive at least a portion of a cartridge configured to support sheet product to be dispensed, an entry opening disposed for receiving sheet product from the cartridge, and a dispensing opening disposed for dispensing sheet product from the dispensing unit; the dispensing unit further comprising a drive mechanism and a sensor disposed in signal communication with the drive mechanism, the drive mechanism being responsive to a dispense signal from the sensor to dispense sheet product. 10. The dispensing apparatus of claim 9, wherein:
the dispensing unit further comprises a housing, a motor disposed within the housing, a drive roller in operable communication with the motor, a pinch roller disposed proximate the drive roller, an actuation mechanism disposed in operable communication with the motor to facilitate actuation of the motor, and wherein the dispensing opening is disposed proximate the drive roller and the pinch roller; the drive roller and the pinch roller being disposed to facilitate dispensing of the sheet product from the cartridge through the dispensing opening. 11. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein:
the drive mechanism is responsive to a dispense signal from the sensor to dispense sheet product from the cartridge on demand, the sensor being responsive to a user causing the sensor to generate the dispense signal in an on-demand-mode manner. 12. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the sheet product is a roll of sheet product, a plurality of interfolded sheet product leaves, or a continuous z-fold sheet. 13. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the dispensing unit further comprises an enable switch disposed to be actuated by the cartridge when the cartridge is disposed in operable communication with the receiving port of the dispensing unit, the enable switch being disposed in signal communication with the drive mechanism to enable dispensing of the sheet product from the cartridge. 14. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the cartridge includes a rejection feature, and further wherein:
the dispensing unit further comprises a controller disposed in operable communication with the motor to facilitate actuation of the motor, and a verification feature disposed in operable communication with the receiving port and the controller, the verification feature being disposed and configured to verify presence of the rejection feature of the cartridge, and to communicate such verification to the controller, such verification being verification that an authorized cartridge having a complementary rejection feature is installed in the dispensing unit. 15. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the actuation mechanism comprises a proximity sensor, a manual pushbutton, or a tear bar sensor. 16. A cartridge for a sheet product dispenser, the cartridge comprising:
an enclosure comprising a removable section that defines a dispensing opening, and a rejection feature disposed and configured for communicating with a verification feature associated with a sheet product dispenser; and sheet product disposed within the enclosure in such a manner as to be dispensable through the dispensing opening subsequent to removal of the removable section; wherein the rejection and verification features comprise complementary passive rejection and verification features, complementary active rejection and verification features, or a combination of complementary passive and active rejection and verification features. 17. The cartridge of claim 16, wherein:
the rejection feature comprises an indentation, void or recess disposed on the enclosure, a projection disposed on the enclosure, an RFID tag disposed on the enclosure, an IR reflective surface disposed on the enclosure, a machine-identifiable marking disposed on the enclosure, a magnetic region disposed on the enclosure, a machine-optically-recognizable character disposed on the enclosure, a phosphoresce region disposed on the enclosure, a starch marker disposed on the enclosure, an IC chip disposed on the enclosure, a conductive strip disposed on the enclosure, a conductive strip disposed on the sheet product, or any combination of the foregoing indentation, projection, RFID tag, IR reflective surface, machine-identifiable marking, magnetic region, machine-optically-recognizable character, phosphoresce region, starch marker, IC chip, and conductive strip. 18. The cartridge of claim 16, further comprising:
inwardly extending protrusions on opposing ends of the enclosure that define pivots, wherein the sheet product is a roll of sheet product pivotally disposed upon the inwardly extending protrusions. 19. The cartridge of claim 18, wherein the inwardly extending protrusions are cylindrically shaped trunnions. 20. The cartridge of claim 18, wherein the inwardly extending protrusions are formed from inwardly displaced portions of the opposing ends of the enclosure. 21. The cartridge of claim 16, wherein the sheet product is a plurality of discrete sheets disposed in such a manner relative to one another so as to be dispensable through the dispensing opening one after the other in succession. 22. The cartridge of claim 21, wherein the discrete sheets are interfolded u-fold sheets or interfolded z-fold sheets. 23. The cartridge of claim 16, wherein the enclosure comprises at least one deformable section that is movable from a first position suitable for packaging, storing and transporting, to a second position suitable for engagement with the sheet product dispenser, wherein the enclosure, with the at least one deformable section disposed in the second position, is engageable with the sheet product dispenser such that the at least one deformable section supports the enclosure against the influence of gravity when the sheet product dispenser is located underneath a support structure. | 3,600 |
12,737 | 12,737 | 12,789,858 | 3,626 | Techniques for managing medical case chronology data are supported. A system may include a central medical information management system that provides practice-specific or location-specific templates for tracking and recording events during medical treatment. The system permits medical professionals to use handheld devices to record and access, in near real time, patient treatment information. | 1. A handheld apparatus comprising:
a user interface comprising a display and capable of receiving user input; a wireless network interface capable of coupling to a central medical information management system, the central medical information management system maintaining a plurality case chronology templates, each of the case chronology templates corresponding to a particular one of a plurality of practice locations and defining a series of medical events customized for the particular location, and a plurality of patient treatment records for patients receiving care at the practice locations, each of the patient treatment records linked to one of the practice locations and corresponding to a patient treatment record having a time record associated with each of the medical events defined by the case chronology template corresponding to the location; a memory maintaining a medical information management application; and a processor operable, when executing the medical information management application:
to identify a selected one of the practice locations;
to display a list of patient treatment records, received from the medical information management system, that correspond to the selected location;
to identify a selected one of the patient treatment records based on user input;
to receive a patient treatment record corresponding to the selected patient treatment record from the medical information management system;
to display the medical events defined by the case chronology template corresponding to the selected location and, for each of the medical events, a current value of the time record associated with the medical event as indicated by the received patient treatment record;
to receive input of a time update indicating a time for a selected one of the medical events for the received patient treatment record;
to communicate the time update to the medical information management system;
to receive updated information for the received patient treatment record from the medical information management system, the updated information incorporating the time update; and
to update the display of the medical events to reflect the updated information. 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein displaying the list of patient treatment records further comprises, for each of the patient treatment records, displaying an indication of the one of medical events with the most current time record in the corresponding patient treatment record and the time value of the most current time record. 3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein displaying the medical events defined by the case chronology template corresponding to the selected location comprises organizing and displaying the medical events based on predefined relationships between the medical events defined by the case chronology template, wherein organizing the medical events further comprises nesting the medical events within a related one or more other medical events and visually emphasizing the nested medical events to convey the predefined relationships. 4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the processor is further operable, when executing the medical information management application, in response to a refresh request, to display an updated list of patient treatment records received from the medical information management system, wherein displaying the updated list comprises, for each of the patient treatment records, displaying an updated indication of the one of medical events with the most current time record in the corresponding patient treatment record and the time value of the most current time record. 5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the processor is further operable, when executing the medical information management application, to display a countdown timer to indicate a remaining time for a medical procedure, the medical procedure corresponding to the displayed medical events. 6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein receiving input of the time update comprises confirming a current time as the indicated time for the selected one of the medical events for the received patient treatment record. 7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the received patient treatment record further comprises a case checklist for treatment case items, and the processor is further operable, when executing the medical information management application to:
display the case checklist of case items defined by a case checklist template maintained by the medical information management system and corresponding to the selected location and, for each of the case items, a current case item value as indicated by the received patient treatment record; receive input of a case item update indicating a case item value for a selected one of the case items for the received patient treatment record; communicate the case item update to the medical information management system; and receive updated information for the received patient treatment record from the medical information management system, the updated information incorporating the case item update; and update the display of the case checklist of case items to reflect the updated information. 8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein communicating the time update to the medical information management system causes transition of a current phase of care indicated in the selected patient treatment record from a first one of a plurality of predefined phases of care to a second one of the predefined phases of care. 9. A method comprising:
identifying a selected one of the practice locations; displaying a list of patient treatment records, received from a medical information management system, that correspond to the selected location, the central medical information management system maintaining a plurality case chronology templates, each of the case chronology templates corresponding to a particular one of a plurality of practice locations and defining a series of medical events customized for the particular location, and a plurality of patient treatment records for patients receiving care at the practice locations, each of the patient treatment records linked to one of the practice locations and corresponding to a patient treatment record having a time record associated with each of the medical events defined by the case chronology template corresponding to the location; identifying a selected one of the patient treatment records based on a user input; receiving a patient treatment record corresponding to the selected patient treatment record from the medical information management system; displaying the medical events defined by the case chronology template corresponding to the selected location and, for each of the medical events, a current value of the time record associated with the medical event as indicated by the received patient treatment record; receiving input of a time update indicating a time for a selected one of the medical events for the received patient treatment record; communicating the time update to the medical information management system; receiving updated information for the received patient treatment record from the medical information management system, the updated information incorporating the time update; and updating a display of the medical events to reflect the updated information. 10. The method of claim 9, wherein displaying the list of patient treatment records further comprises, for each of the patient treatment records, displaying an indication of the one of medical events with the most current time record in the corresponding patient treatment record and the time value of the most current time record. 11. The method of claim 9, wherein displaying the medical events defined by the case chronology template corresponding to the selected location comprises organizing and displaying the medical events based on predefined relationships between the medical events defined by the case chronology template, wherein organizing the medical events further comprises nesting the medical events within a related one or more other medical events and visually emphasizing the nested medical events to convey the predefined relationships. 12. The method of claim 9, further comprising, in response to a refresh request, displaying an updated list of patient treatment records received from the medical information management system, wherein displaying the updated list comprises, for each of the patient treatment records, displaying an updated indication of the one of medical events with the most current time record in the corresponding patient treatment record and the time value of the most current time record. 13. The method of claim 9, further comprising displaying a countdown timer to indicate a remaining time for a medical procedure, the medical procedure corresponding to the displayed medical events. 14. The method of claim 9, wherein receiving input of the time update comprises confirming a current time as the indicated time for the selected one of the medical events for the received patient treatment record. 15. The method of claim 9, wherein the received patient treatment record further comprises a case checklist for treatment case items, and the method further comprises:
displaying the case checklist of case items defined by a case checklist template maintained by the medical information management system and corresponding to the selected location and, for each of the case items, a current case item value as indicated by the received patient treatment record; receiving input of a case item update indicating a case item value for a selected one of the case items for the received patient treatment record; communicating the case item update to the medical information management system; and receiving updated information for the received patient treatment record from the medical information management system, the updated information incorporating the case item update; and updating the display of the case checklist of case items to reflect the updated information. 16. The method of claim 9, wherein communicating the time update to the medical information management system causes transition of a current phase of care indicated in the selected patient treatment record from a first one of a plurality of predefined phases of care to a second one of the predefined phases of care. 17. A system, comprising:
a central medical information management system operable to maintain a plurality case chronology templates, each of the case chronology templates corresponding to a particular one of a plurality of practice locations and defining a series of medical events customized for the particular location, and a plurality of patient treatment records for patients receiving care at the practice locations, each of the patient treatment records linked to one of the practice locations and corresponding to a patient treatment record having a time record associated with each of the medical events defined by the case chronology template corresponding to the location; one or more medical information management applications each resident on a wireless handheld device and operable, when executed, to:
identify a selected one of the practice locations;
display a list of patient treatment records, received from the medical information management system, that correspond to the selected location;
identify a selected one of the patient treatment records based on a user input;
receive a patient treatment record corresponding to the selected patient treatment record from the medical information management system;
display the medical events defined by the case chronology template corresponding to the selected location and, for each of the medical events, a current value of the time record associated with the medical event as indicated by the received patient treatment record;
receive input of a time update indicating a time for a selected one of the medical events for the received patient treatment record;
communicate the time update to the medical information management system;
receive updated information for the received patient treatment record from the medical information management system, the updated information incorporating the time update; and
update a display of the medical events to reflect the updated information. 18. The system of claim 17, wherein displaying the list of patient treatment records further comprises, for each of the patient treatment records, displaying an indication of the one of medical events with the most current time record in the corresponding patient treatment record and the time value of the most current time record. 19. The system of claim 17, wherein displaying the medical events defined by the case chronology template corresponding to the selected location comprises organizing and displaying the medical events based on predefined relationships between the medical events defined by the case chronology template, wherein organizing the medical events further comprises nesting the medical events within a related one or more other medical events and visually emphasizing the nested medical events to convey the predefined relationships. 20. The system of claim 17, wherein the one or more medical information management applications are further operable, when executed, in response to a refresh request, to display an updated list of patient treatment records received from the medical information management system, wherein displaying the updated list comprises, for each of the patient treatment records, displaying an updated indication of the one of medical events with the most current time record in the corresponding patient treatment record and the time value of the most current time record. 21. The system of claim 17, wherein the one or more medical information management applications are further operable, when executed, to display a countdown timer to indicate a remaining time for a medical procedure, the medical procedure corresponding to the displayed medical events. 22. The system of claim 17, wherein receiving input of the time update comprises confirming a current time as the indicated time for the selected one of the medical events for the received patient treatment record. 23. The system of claim 17, wherein the received patient treatment record further comprises a case checklist for treatment case items, and the one or more medical information management applications are further operable, when executed, to:
display the case checklist of case items defined by a case checklist template maintained by the medical information management system and corresponding to the selected location and, for each of the case items, a current case item value as indicated by the received patient treatment record; receive input of a case item update indicating a case item value for a selected one of the case items for the received patient treatment record; communicate the case item update to the medical information management system; and receive updated information for the received patient treatment record from the medical information management system, the updated information incorporating the case item update; and update the display of the case checklist of case items to reflect the updated information. 24. The system of claim 17, wherein communicating the time update to the medical information management system causes transition of a current phase of care indicated in the selected patient treatment record from a first one of a plurality of predefined phases of care to a second one of the predefined phases of care. | Techniques for managing medical case chronology data are supported. A system may include a central medical information management system that provides practice-specific or location-specific templates for tracking and recording events during medical treatment. The system permits medical professionals to use handheld devices to record and access, in near real time, patient treatment information.1. A handheld apparatus comprising:
a user interface comprising a display and capable of receiving user input; a wireless network interface capable of coupling to a central medical information management system, the central medical information management system maintaining a plurality case chronology templates, each of the case chronology templates corresponding to a particular one of a plurality of practice locations and defining a series of medical events customized for the particular location, and a plurality of patient treatment records for patients receiving care at the practice locations, each of the patient treatment records linked to one of the practice locations and corresponding to a patient treatment record having a time record associated with each of the medical events defined by the case chronology template corresponding to the location; a memory maintaining a medical information management application; and a processor operable, when executing the medical information management application:
to identify a selected one of the practice locations;
to display a list of patient treatment records, received from the medical information management system, that correspond to the selected location;
to identify a selected one of the patient treatment records based on user input;
to receive a patient treatment record corresponding to the selected patient treatment record from the medical information management system;
to display the medical events defined by the case chronology template corresponding to the selected location and, for each of the medical events, a current value of the time record associated with the medical event as indicated by the received patient treatment record;
to receive input of a time update indicating a time for a selected one of the medical events for the received patient treatment record;
to communicate the time update to the medical information management system;
to receive updated information for the received patient treatment record from the medical information management system, the updated information incorporating the time update; and
to update the display of the medical events to reflect the updated information. 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein displaying the list of patient treatment records further comprises, for each of the patient treatment records, displaying an indication of the one of medical events with the most current time record in the corresponding patient treatment record and the time value of the most current time record. 3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein displaying the medical events defined by the case chronology template corresponding to the selected location comprises organizing and displaying the medical events based on predefined relationships between the medical events defined by the case chronology template, wherein organizing the medical events further comprises nesting the medical events within a related one or more other medical events and visually emphasizing the nested medical events to convey the predefined relationships. 4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the processor is further operable, when executing the medical information management application, in response to a refresh request, to display an updated list of patient treatment records received from the medical information management system, wherein displaying the updated list comprises, for each of the patient treatment records, displaying an updated indication of the one of medical events with the most current time record in the corresponding patient treatment record and the time value of the most current time record. 5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the processor is further operable, when executing the medical information management application, to display a countdown timer to indicate a remaining time for a medical procedure, the medical procedure corresponding to the displayed medical events. 6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein receiving input of the time update comprises confirming a current time as the indicated time for the selected one of the medical events for the received patient treatment record. 7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the received patient treatment record further comprises a case checklist for treatment case items, and the processor is further operable, when executing the medical information management application to:
display the case checklist of case items defined by a case checklist template maintained by the medical information management system and corresponding to the selected location and, for each of the case items, a current case item value as indicated by the received patient treatment record; receive input of a case item update indicating a case item value for a selected one of the case items for the received patient treatment record; communicate the case item update to the medical information management system; and receive updated information for the received patient treatment record from the medical information management system, the updated information incorporating the case item update; and update the display of the case checklist of case items to reflect the updated information. 8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein communicating the time update to the medical information management system causes transition of a current phase of care indicated in the selected patient treatment record from a first one of a plurality of predefined phases of care to a second one of the predefined phases of care. 9. A method comprising:
identifying a selected one of the practice locations; displaying a list of patient treatment records, received from a medical information management system, that correspond to the selected location, the central medical information management system maintaining a plurality case chronology templates, each of the case chronology templates corresponding to a particular one of a plurality of practice locations and defining a series of medical events customized for the particular location, and a plurality of patient treatment records for patients receiving care at the practice locations, each of the patient treatment records linked to one of the practice locations and corresponding to a patient treatment record having a time record associated with each of the medical events defined by the case chronology template corresponding to the location; identifying a selected one of the patient treatment records based on a user input; receiving a patient treatment record corresponding to the selected patient treatment record from the medical information management system; displaying the medical events defined by the case chronology template corresponding to the selected location and, for each of the medical events, a current value of the time record associated with the medical event as indicated by the received patient treatment record; receiving input of a time update indicating a time for a selected one of the medical events for the received patient treatment record; communicating the time update to the medical information management system; receiving updated information for the received patient treatment record from the medical information management system, the updated information incorporating the time update; and updating a display of the medical events to reflect the updated information. 10. The method of claim 9, wherein displaying the list of patient treatment records further comprises, for each of the patient treatment records, displaying an indication of the one of medical events with the most current time record in the corresponding patient treatment record and the time value of the most current time record. 11. The method of claim 9, wherein displaying the medical events defined by the case chronology template corresponding to the selected location comprises organizing and displaying the medical events based on predefined relationships between the medical events defined by the case chronology template, wherein organizing the medical events further comprises nesting the medical events within a related one or more other medical events and visually emphasizing the nested medical events to convey the predefined relationships. 12. The method of claim 9, further comprising, in response to a refresh request, displaying an updated list of patient treatment records received from the medical information management system, wherein displaying the updated list comprises, for each of the patient treatment records, displaying an updated indication of the one of medical events with the most current time record in the corresponding patient treatment record and the time value of the most current time record. 13. The method of claim 9, further comprising displaying a countdown timer to indicate a remaining time for a medical procedure, the medical procedure corresponding to the displayed medical events. 14. The method of claim 9, wherein receiving input of the time update comprises confirming a current time as the indicated time for the selected one of the medical events for the received patient treatment record. 15. The method of claim 9, wherein the received patient treatment record further comprises a case checklist for treatment case items, and the method further comprises:
displaying the case checklist of case items defined by a case checklist template maintained by the medical information management system and corresponding to the selected location and, for each of the case items, a current case item value as indicated by the received patient treatment record; receiving input of a case item update indicating a case item value for a selected one of the case items for the received patient treatment record; communicating the case item update to the medical information management system; and receiving updated information for the received patient treatment record from the medical information management system, the updated information incorporating the case item update; and updating the display of the case checklist of case items to reflect the updated information. 16. The method of claim 9, wherein communicating the time update to the medical information management system causes transition of a current phase of care indicated in the selected patient treatment record from a first one of a plurality of predefined phases of care to a second one of the predefined phases of care. 17. A system, comprising:
a central medical information management system operable to maintain a plurality case chronology templates, each of the case chronology templates corresponding to a particular one of a plurality of practice locations and defining a series of medical events customized for the particular location, and a plurality of patient treatment records for patients receiving care at the practice locations, each of the patient treatment records linked to one of the practice locations and corresponding to a patient treatment record having a time record associated with each of the medical events defined by the case chronology template corresponding to the location; one or more medical information management applications each resident on a wireless handheld device and operable, when executed, to:
identify a selected one of the practice locations;
display a list of patient treatment records, received from the medical information management system, that correspond to the selected location;
identify a selected one of the patient treatment records based on a user input;
receive a patient treatment record corresponding to the selected patient treatment record from the medical information management system;
display the medical events defined by the case chronology template corresponding to the selected location and, for each of the medical events, a current value of the time record associated with the medical event as indicated by the received patient treatment record;
receive input of a time update indicating a time for a selected one of the medical events for the received patient treatment record;
communicate the time update to the medical information management system;
receive updated information for the received patient treatment record from the medical information management system, the updated information incorporating the time update; and
update a display of the medical events to reflect the updated information. 18. The system of claim 17, wherein displaying the list of patient treatment records further comprises, for each of the patient treatment records, displaying an indication of the one of medical events with the most current time record in the corresponding patient treatment record and the time value of the most current time record. 19. The system of claim 17, wherein displaying the medical events defined by the case chronology template corresponding to the selected location comprises organizing and displaying the medical events based on predefined relationships between the medical events defined by the case chronology template, wherein organizing the medical events further comprises nesting the medical events within a related one or more other medical events and visually emphasizing the nested medical events to convey the predefined relationships. 20. The system of claim 17, wherein the one or more medical information management applications are further operable, when executed, in response to a refresh request, to display an updated list of patient treatment records received from the medical information management system, wherein displaying the updated list comprises, for each of the patient treatment records, displaying an updated indication of the one of medical events with the most current time record in the corresponding patient treatment record and the time value of the most current time record. 21. The system of claim 17, wherein the one or more medical information management applications are further operable, when executed, to display a countdown timer to indicate a remaining time for a medical procedure, the medical procedure corresponding to the displayed medical events. 22. The system of claim 17, wherein receiving input of the time update comprises confirming a current time as the indicated time for the selected one of the medical events for the received patient treatment record. 23. The system of claim 17, wherein the received patient treatment record further comprises a case checklist for treatment case items, and the one or more medical information management applications are further operable, when executed, to:
display the case checklist of case items defined by a case checklist template maintained by the medical information management system and corresponding to the selected location and, for each of the case items, a current case item value as indicated by the received patient treatment record; receive input of a case item update indicating a case item value for a selected one of the case items for the received patient treatment record; communicate the case item update to the medical information management system; and receive updated information for the received patient treatment record from the medical information management system, the updated information incorporating the case item update; and update the display of the case checklist of case items to reflect the updated information. 24. The system of claim 17, wherein communicating the time update to the medical information management system causes transition of a current phase of care indicated in the selected patient treatment record from a first one of a plurality of predefined phases of care to a second one of the predefined phases of care. | 3,600 |
12,738 | 12,738 | 13,651,091 | 3,692 | A system and method for processing collect on delivery transactions are disclosed. The method includes defining, by a computer, a tracking code including a service type code for a collect on delivery service; scanning, using a scanning device, the tracking code on a shipping label of a mail item, the tracking code including the service type code; inputting into the scanning device delivery data including the amount of funds collected and the type of funds collected, if the service type code corresponds to the collect on delivery service; and transferring the delivery data from the scanning device to a postal tracking system computer. A method and system of centralizing payments from a Postal authority to merchants using the collect on delivery service are also disclosed. | 1. A method for processing collect on delivery transactions, comprising:
defining, by a computer, a tracking code including a service type code for a collect on delivery service; scanning, using a scanning device, the tracking code on a shipping label of a mail item at delivery of the mail item, the tracking code including the service type code; inputting into the scanning device delivery data including the amount of funds collected and the type of funds collected, if the service type code corresponds to the collect on delivery service; and transferring the delivery data from the scanning device to a postal tracking system computer. 2. The method according to claim 1, further comprising:
monitoring, by a computer of the United States Postal Service, collect on delivery events accomplished during a given period of time. 3. The method according to claim 1, further comprising:
transferring the collected funds to a sender of the mail item. 4. The method according to claim 3, prior to transferring the collected funds to the sender of the mail item, aggregating collected funds by sender for collect on deliver events produced in a given period of time and sending a single payment to the sender. 5. The method according to claim 1, further comprising receiving by the postal tracking system computer at least a portion of data printed on the shipping label including the tracking code from the computer. 6. The method according to claim 5, further comprising receiving by the postal tracking system computer downloaded delivery data and adding the downloaded data to the already received at least a portion of data from the computer. 7. The method according to claim 5, wherein receiving at least a portion of data printed on the shipping label comprises receiving a destination address, a return address, postage amount, class of mail, or delivery service, or any combination of two or more thereof. 8. The method according to claim 5, wherein receiving at least a portion of data printed on the shipping label comprises receiving the at least a portion of data at a regular period of time. 9. The method according to claim 5, further comprising storing the data printed on the shipping label in a postal computer database in communication with the postal tracking system computer. 10. The method according to claim 1, further comprises updating a postal computer database by adding a first column for the amount of funds collected and a second column for type of funds collected. 11. The method according to claim 10, further comprising computing the collected amount of funds by a United States Postal Service central computer and aggregating the calculated amount of funds by shipper. 12. The method according to claim 1, wherein scanning the tracking code on the shipping label of the mail item, comprises scanning the tracking code including a mailer identification number associated with a shipper. 13. The method according to claim 12, further comprising computing, by the postal tracking system computer, funds collected from the collect on delivery service associated with the mailer identification number during a set period of time. 14. The method according to claim 13, further comprising sending the funds collected and associated with the mailer identification number of the shipper to the shipper as a single payment. 15. The method according to claim 14, further comprising sending a manifest of collect on delivery events indicating amount of funds collected, type of funds collected and recipient for each collect on delivery event. 16. A method of providing collect on delivery on a mailing label, comprising:
receiving, by a computer associated with a tracking code provider from a computer associated with a shipper, shipping data relating to a mail item to be shipped; and sending, by the computer associated with the tracking code provider to the computer associated with the shipper, data including a tracking code, the tracking code comprising a service type code associated with a collect on delivery service for printing the tracking code on a single sheet mailing label. 17. The method according to claim 16, further comprising computing, by the computer associated with the tracking code provider, a cost of mailing based on the received shipping data. 18. The method according to claim 17, wherein computing the cost of mailing comprises adding, by the computer associated with the tracking code provider, a collect on delivery fee based on a collect on delivery amount to a postage fee amount. 19. The method according to claim 16, wherein receiving the shipping data comprises receiving a destination address and a destination zip code. 20. The method according to claim 16, wherein receiving the shipping data comprises receiving dimensions of the item, weight of the item, the type of mail service, tracking service, or any combination of two or more thereof 21. The method according to claim 16, further comprising printing by the computer associated with the shipper the data including the tracking code on the single sheet mailing label. 22. The method according to claim 21, wherein the tracking code comprises a one-dimensional barcode. 23. The method according to claim 16, further comprising printing, on the mailing label, a destination address, a destination zip code, a return address, a cost of mailing the mail item, or any combination of two or more thereof. 24. The method according to claim 16, further comprising printing on the mailing label an amount of funds to collect on delivery of the mail item and optionally the type of funds to collect on delivery of the mail item. 25. A shipping label for mailing a mail item using the United States Postal Service, the shipping label comprising:
a tracking code including a service type code associated with a collect on delivery service; an amount to be collected at delivery of the mail item; a form of payment for the amount to be collected; and a destination address for the mail item, wherein the shipping label is a single sheet mailing label. 26. The shipping label according to claim 25, further comprising a return address. 27. The shipping label according to claim 25, further comprising a digital postage value indicium. 28. The shipping label according to claim 27, wherein the digital postage value indicium comprises a two-dimensional barcode. 29. The shipping label according to claim 25, further comprising a class of mail selected for the shipping label. 30. The shipping label according to claim 25, wherein the service type code is defined by the United States Postal service. 31. The shipping label according to claim 25, wherein the tracking code comprises a one-dimensional barcode. 32. The shipping label according to claim 25, wherein when the tracking code including the service type code is scanned by a scanning device, the scanning device prompts a United States Postal Service carrier that the mail item is a collect on delivery mail item and prompts the United States Postal Service carrier to collect the amount on the shipping label. | A system and method for processing collect on delivery transactions are disclosed. The method includes defining, by a computer, a tracking code including a service type code for a collect on delivery service; scanning, using a scanning device, the tracking code on a shipping label of a mail item, the tracking code including the service type code; inputting into the scanning device delivery data including the amount of funds collected and the type of funds collected, if the service type code corresponds to the collect on delivery service; and transferring the delivery data from the scanning device to a postal tracking system computer. A method and system of centralizing payments from a Postal authority to merchants using the collect on delivery service are also disclosed.1. A method for processing collect on delivery transactions, comprising:
defining, by a computer, a tracking code including a service type code for a collect on delivery service; scanning, using a scanning device, the tracking code on a shipping label of a mail item at delivery of the mail item, the tracking code including the service type code; inputting into the scanning device delivery data including the amount of funds collected and the type of funds collected, if the service type code corresponds to the collect on delivery service; and transferring the delivery data from the scanning device to a postal tracking system computer. 2. The method according to claim 1, further comprising:
monitoring, by a computer of the United States Postal Service, collect on delivery events accomplished during a given period of time. 3. The method according to claim 1, further comprising:
transferring the collected funds to a sender of the mail item. 4. The method according to claim 3, prior to transferring the collected funds to the sender of the mail item, aggregating collected funds by sender for collect on deliver events produced in a given period of time and sending a single payment to the sender. 5. The method according to claim 1, further comprising receiving by the postal tracking system computer at least a portion of data printed on the shipping label including the tracking code from the computer. 6. The method according to claim 5, further comprising receiving by the postal tracking system computer downloaded delivery data and adding the downloaded data to the already received at least a portion of data from the computer. 7. The method according to claim 5, wherein receiving at least a portion of data printed on the shipping label comprises receiving a destination address, a return address, postage amount, class of mail, or delivery service, or any combination of two or more thereof. 8. The method according to claim 5, wherein receiving at least a portion of data printed on the shipping label comprises receiving the at least a portion of data at a regular period of time. 9. The method according to claim 5, further comprising storing the data printed on the shipping label in a postal computer database in communication with the postal tracking system computer. 10. The method according to claim 1, further comprises updating a postal computer database by adding a first column for the amount of funds collected and a second column for type of funds collected. 11. The method according to claim 10, further comprising computing the collected amount of funds by a United States Postal Service central computer and aggregating the calculated amount of funds by shipper. 12. The method according to claim 1, wherein scanning the tracking code on the shipping label of the mail item, comprises scanning the tracking code including a mailer identification number associated with a shipper. 13. The method according to claim 12, further comprising computing, by the postal tracking system computer, funds collected from the collect on delivery service associated with the mailer identification number during a set period of time. 14. The method according to claim 13, further comprising sending the funds collected and associated with the mailer identification number of the shipper to the shipper as a single payment. 15. The method according to claim 14, further comprising sending a manifest of collect on delivery events indicating amount of funds collected, type of funds collected and recipient for each collect on delivery event. 16. A method of providing collect on delivery on a mailing label, comprising:
receiving, by a computer associated with a tracking code provider from a computer associated with a shipper, shipping data relating to a mail item to be shipped; and sending, by the computer associated with the tracking code provider to the computer associated with the shipper, data including a tracking code, the tracking code comprising a service type code associated with a collect on delivery service for printing the tracking code on a single sheet mailing label. 17. The method according to claim 16, further comprising computing, by the computer associated with the tracking code provider, a cost of mailing based on the received shipping data. 18. The method according to claim 17, wherein computing the cost of mailing comprises adding, by the computer associated with the tracking code provider, a collect on delivery fee based on a collect on delivery amount to a postage fee amount. 19. The method according to claim 16, wherein receiving the shipping data comprises receiving a destination address and a destination zip code. 20. The method according to claim 16, wherein receiving the shipping data comprises receiving dimensions of the item, weight of the item, the type of mail service, tracking service, or any combination of two or more thereof 21. The method according to claim 16, further comprising printing by the computer associated with the shipper the data including the tracking code on the single sheet mailing label. 22. The method according to claim 21, wherein the tracking code comprises a one-dimensional barcode. 23. The method according to claim 16, further comprising printing, on the mailing label, a destination address, a destination zip code, a return address, a cost of mailing the mail item, or any combination of two or more thereof. 24. The method according to claim 16, further comprising printing on the mailing label an amount of funds to collect on delivery of the mail item and optionally the type of funds to collect on delivery of the mail item. 25. A shipping label for mailing a mail item using the United States Postal Service, the shipping label comprising:
a tracking code including a service type code associated with a collect on delivery service; an amount to be collected at delivery of the mail item; a form of payment for the amount to be collected; and a destination address for the mail item, wherein the shipping label is a single sheet mailing label. 26. The shipping label according to claim 25, further comprising a return address. 27. The shipping label according to claim 25, further comprising a digital postage value indicium. 28. The shipping label according to claim 27, wherein the digital postage value indicium comprises a two-dimensional barcode. 29. The shipping label according to claim 25, further comprising a class of mail selected for the shipping label. 30. The shipping label according to claim 25, wherein the service type code is defined by the United States Postal service. 31. The shipping label according to claim 25, wherein the tracking code comprises a one-dimensional barcode. 32. The shipping label according to claim 25, wherein when the tracking code including the service type code is scanned by a scanning device, the scanning device prompts a United States Postal Service carrier that the mail item is a collect on delivery mail item and prompts the United States Postal Service carrier to collect the amount on the shipping label. | 3,600 |
12,739 | 12,739 | 15,079,743 | 3,696 | A system for moving money between accounts of traders by a central counterparty to facilitate payments, i.e. the movement of funds, there between is disclosed which provides a flexible mechanism which supports simpler accounting, new types of derivatives contracts as well new types fees. The disclosed futures contract, referred to as a “payer” contract, comprises a “no-uncertainty” futures contract, i.e. the initial value and settlement value parameters are defined, that leverages the mechanisms of the clearing system to, for example, accommodate related payments. Accordingly, a 1-to-many relationship between contracts and prices is provided whereby each price component may be assigned its own payer contract. The function of the payer contract may be to guarantee the movement of money from related positions. In one embodiment, payer contracts are dynamically created whenever a payment is needed. | 1. A computer implemented method of facilitating a payment between traders based on a first position in a first instrument held by a first trader to which a second trader is a counterparty, the method comprising:
determining, by a payment processor based on the first position, the amount of a payment to be made from one of the first or second trader to the other of the first or second trader in advance of settlement thereof, the amount of the payment being further based on accrued dividends associated with a reference index; assigning, automatically by the payment processor based on the first position, a second position to the first trader in a futures contract characterized by a settlement date, a quantity and a price, the second position being characterized by a value based on the quantity and the price of the futures contract as of the assigning, and a third position to the second trader, counter to the second position, in the futures contract, the first and second traders not being identified to each other; valuing, by a settlement processor upon occurrence of the settlement date, the futures contract at a spot value different from the price of the futures contract, the spot value being based on the determined payment amount; and modifying, by a margin processor, a first account record associated with the first trader and a second account record associated with the second trader, both stored in an account database stored in a memory coupled with the processor, to reflect a credit to the account of the first trader and a debit from the account of the second trader in the amount of the difference between the value of the second position and the spot value when the difference represents a loss for the second trader or to reflect a debit from the account of the first trader and a credit to the account of the second trader in the amount of the difference between the value of the second position and the spot value when the difference represents a loss for the first trader. 2. The computer implemented method of claim 1 wherein the reference index comprises one of the S&P 500, the DJIA or the NASDAQ 100. 3. The computer implemented method of claim 1 further comprising:
when the account of the first trader is credited and the account of the second trader is debited:
determining, by the payment processor, the amount of an interest payment to be made from the first to the second trader in advance of settlement thereof based on the amount credited to the first trader;
assigning, by the payment processor, a fourth position to the first trader in a futures contract characterized by a settlement date, a quantity and a price, the fourth position being characterized by a value based on the quantity and the price of the futures contract as of the assigning, and a fifth position to the second trader, counter to the fourth position, in the futures contract, the first and second traders not being identified to each other;
valuing, by the settlement processor upon occurrence of the settlement date, the futures contract at a spot value different from the price of the futures contract, the spot value being based on the determined interest payment amount; and
modifying, by the margin processor, the first and second account records in the account database to reflect a debit from the account of the first trader and a credit to the account of the second trader in the amount of the difference between the value of the second position and the spot value. 4. The computer implemented method of claim 1 further comprising:
when the account of the first trader is debited and the account of the second trader is credited:
determining, by the payment processor, the amount of an interest payment to be made from the second to the first trader in advance of settlement thereof based on the amount credited to the first trader;
assigning, by the payment processor, a sixth position to the first trader in a futures contract characterized by a settlement date, a quantity and a price, the sixth position being characterized by a value based on the quantity and the price of the futures contract as of the assigning, and a seventh position to the second trader, counter to the sixth position, in the futures contract, the first and second traders not being identified to each other;
valuing, by the settlement processor upon occurrence of the settlement date, the futures contract at a spot value different from the price of the futures contract, the spot value being based on the determined interest payment amount; and
modifying, by the margin processor, the first and second account records in the account database to reflect a credit to the account of the first trader and a debit from the account of the second trader in the amount of the difference between the value of the second position and the spot value. 5. The computer implemented method of claim 1 wherein the quantity of futures contract is one, the assigning of the second and third positions to the first and second traders respectively, further comprising assigning the second and third positions in a plurality of the futures contract, the quantity of the plurality of the futures contract being determined based on the payment amount. 6. The computer implemented method of claim 1 wherein the value of the second and third positions as of the assigning is one of zero or non-zero. 7. The computer implemented method of claim 1 wherein the determining, assigning, valuing and modifying are performed periodically. 8. The computer implemented method of claim 7 wherein the determining, assigning, valuing and modifying occur one of quarterly, semiannually, or annually. 9. The computer implemented method of claim 1 wherein the determining of the payment amount occurs upon occurrence of the settlement date. 10. The computer implemented method of claim 1 wherein the quantity of the futures contract is one, the assigning of the second and third positions to the first and second traders respectively, further comprising assigning the second and third positions in a plurality of the futures contract, the quantity of the plurality of the futures contract being determined based on the payment amount. 11. The computer implemented method of claim 1 wherein the spot value is valued based on a multiplier and a final settlement value. 12. The computer implemented method of claim 1 wherein the first instrument comprises a futures contract. 13. A system for facilitating a payment between traders based on a first position in a first instrument held by a first trader to which a second trader is a counterparty, the system comprising:
a payment processor coupled with a memory and operative to determine, based on the first position, the amount of a payment to be made from one of the first or second trader to the other of the first or second trader in advance of settlement thereof, the amount of the payment being further based on accrued dividends associated with a reference index; and wherein the payment processor is further operative to automatically assign, based on the first position, a second position to the first trader in a futures contract characterized by a settlement date, a quantity and a price, the second position being characterized by a value based on the quantity and the price of the futures contract as of the assignment, and automatically assign a third position to the second trader, counter to the second position, in the futures contract, the first and second traders not being identified to each other; a settlement processor coupled with the memory and operative to value, upon occurrence of the settlement date, the futures contract at a spot value different from the price of the futures contract, the spot value being based on the determined payment amount; and a margin processor coupled with the settlement processor and the memory and operative to modify a first account record associated with the first trader and a second account record associated with the second trader, both stored in an account database stored in the memory, to reflect a credit to the account of the first trader and a debit from the account of the second trader in the amount of the difference between the value of the second position and the spot value when the difference represents a loss for the second trader, or to reflect a debit from the account of the first trader and a credit to the account of the second trader in the amount of the difference between the value of the second position and the spot value when the difference represents a loss for the first trader. 14. The system of claim 13 wherein the reference index comprises one of the S&P 500, the DJIA or the NASDAQ 100. 15. The system of claim 13 further comprising:
when the account of the first trader is credited and the account of the second trader is debited:
the payment processor being further operative to determine the amount of an interest payment to be made from the first to the second trader in advance of settlement thereof based on the amount credited to the first trader, assign a fourth position to the first trader in a futures contract characterized by a settlement date, a quantity and a price, the fourth position being characterized by a value based on the quantity and the price of the futures contract as of the assignment, and assign a fifth position to the second trader, counter to the fourth position, in the futures contract, the first and second traders not being identified to each other;
the settlement processor being further operative to value, upon occurrence of the settlement date, the futures contract at a spot value different from the price of the futures contract, the spot value being based on the determined interest payment amount; and
the margin processor being further operative to modify the first and second account records in the account database to reflect a debit from the account of the first trader and a credit to the account of the second trader in the amount of the difference between the value of the second position and the spot value. 16. The system of claim 13 further comprising:
when the account of the first trader is debited and the account of the second trader is credited:
the payment processor being further operative to determine the amount of an interest payment to be made from the second to the first trader in advance of settlement thereof based on the amount credited to the first trader, assign a sixth position to the first trader in a futures contract characterized by a settlement date, a quantity and a price, the sixth position being characterized by a value based on the quantity and the price of the futures contract as of the assignment, and assign a seventh position to the second trader, counter to the sixth position, in the futures contract, the first and second traders not being identified to each other;
the settlement processor being further operative to value, upon occurrence of the settlement date, the futures contract at a spot value different from the price of the futures contract, the spot value being based on the determined interest payment amount; and
the margin processor being further operative to modify the first and second account records in the account database to reflect a credit to the account of the first trader and a debit from the account of the second trader in the amount of the difference between the value of the second position and the spot value. 17. The system of claim 13 wherein the quantity of futures contract is one, the payment processor being further operative to assign the second and third positions in a plurality of the futures contract, the quantity of the plurality of the futures contract being determined based on the payment amount. 18. The system of claim 13 wherein the value of the second and third positions as of the assignment is one of zero or non-zero. 19. The system of claim 13 wherein the payment processor determines the payment amount periodically. 20. The system of claim 19 wherein the payment processor determines the payment amount one of quarterly, semiannually, or annually. 21. The system of claim 13 wherein the payment processor is operative to determine the payment amount upon occurrence of the settlement date. 22. The system of claim 13 wherein the quantity of the futures contract is one, the assigning of the second and third positions to the first and second traders respectively, further comprising assigning the second and third positions in a plurality of the futures contract, the quantity of the plurality of the futures contract being determined based on the payment amount. 23. The system of claim 13 wherein the spot value is valued based on a multiplier and a final settlement value. 24. The system of claim 13 wherein the first instrument comprises a futures contract. 25. A system for facilitating a payment between traders based on a first position in a first instrument by a first trader to which a second trader is a counterparty, the system comprising: means for determining, based on the first position, the amount of a payment to be made from one of the first or second trader to the other of the first or second trader in advance of settlement thereof, the amount of the payment being further based on accrued dividends associated with a reference index;
means for assigning, based on the first position, a second position to the first trader in a futures contract characterized by the settlement date, a quantity and a price, the second position being characterized by a value based on the quantity and the price of the futures contract as of the assigning, and a third position to the second trader, counter to the second position, in the futures contract, the first and second traders not being identified to each other; means for valuing, upon occurrence of the settlement date, the futures contract at a spot value different from the price of the futures contract, the spot value being based on the determined payment amount; and means for modifying the first account record associated with the first trader and a second account record associated with the second trader, both stored in an account database stored in a memory to reflect a credit to the account of the first trader and a debit from the account of the second trader in the amount of the difference between the value of the second position and the spot value when the difference represents a loss for the second trader or to reflect a debit from the account of the first trader and a credit to the account of the second trader in the amount of the difference between the value of the second position and the spot value when the difference represents a loss for the first trader. 26. A system for facilitating a payment between traders based on a first position in a first instrument held by a first trader to which a second trader is a counterparty, the system comprising:
first logic stored in a memory and executable by a processor to determine, based on the first position, the amount of a payment to be made from one of the first or second trader to the other of the first or second trader in advance of settlement thereof, the amount of the payment being further based on accrued dividends associated with a reference index; the first logic being further executable to automatically assign, based on the first position, a second position to the first trader in a futures contract characterized by the settlement date, a quantity and a price, the second position being characterized by a value based on the quantity and the price of the futures contract as of the assignment, and a third position to the second trader, counter to the second position, in the futures contract, the first and second traders not being identified to each other; second logic stored in the memory and executable by the processor to value, upon occurrence of the settlement date, the futures contract at a spot value different from the price of the futures contract, the spot value being based on the determined payment amount; and third logic stored in the memory and executable by the processor to modify a first account record associated with the first trader and second account record associated with the second trader, both stored in an account database stored in the memory to reflect a credit to the account of the first trader and a debit from the account of the second trader in the amount of the difference between the value of the second position and the spot value when the difference represents a loss for the second trader, or to reflect a debit from the account of the first trader and a credit to the account of the second trader in the amount of the difference between the value of the second position and the spot value when the difference represents a loss for the first trader. | A system for moving money between accounts of traders by a central counterparty to facilitate payments, i.e. the movement of funds, there between is disclosed which provides a flexible mechanism which supports simpler accounting, new types of derivatives contracts as well new types fees. The disclosed futures contract, referred to as a “payer” contract, comprises a “no-uncertainty” futures contract, i.e. the initial value and settlement value parameters are defined, that leverages the mechanisms of the clearing system to, for example, accommodate related payments. Accordingly, a 1-to-many relationship between contracts and prices is provided whereby each price component may be assigned its own payer contract. The function of the payer contract may be to guarantee the movement of money from related positions. In one embodiment, payer contracts are dynamically created whenever a payment is needed.1. A computer implemented method of facilitating a payment between traders based on a first position in a first instrument held by a first trader to which a second trader is a counterparty, the method comprising:
determining, by a payment processor based on the first position, the amount of a payment to be made from one of the first or second trader to the other of the first or second trader in advance of settlement thereof, the amount of the payment being further based on accrued dividends associated with a reference index; assigning, automatically by the payment processor based on the first position, a second position to the first trader in a futures contract characterized by a settlement date, a quantity and a price, the second position being characterized by a value based on the quantity and the price of the futures contract as of the assigning, and a third position to the second trader, counter to the second position, in the futures contract, the first and second traders not being identified to each other; valuing, by a settlement processor upon occurrence of the settlement date, the futures contract at a spot value different from the price of the futures contract, the spot value being based on the determined payment amount; and modifying, by a margin processor, a first account record associated with the first trader and a second account record associated with the second trader, both stored in an account database stored in a memory coupled with the processor, to reflect a credit to the account of the first trader and a debit from the account of the second trader in the amount of the difference between the value of the second position and the spot value when the difference represents a loss for the second trader or to reflect a debit from the account of the first trader and a credit to the account of the second trader in the amount of the difference between the value of the second position and the spot value when the difference represents a loss for the first trader. 2. The computer implemented method of claim 1 wherein the reference index comprises one of the S&P 500, the DJIA or the NASDAQ 100. 3. The computer implemented method of claim 1 further comprising:
when the account of the first trader is credited and the account of the second trader is debited:
determining, by the payment processor, the amount of an interest payment to be made from the first to the second trader in advance of settlement thereof based on the amount credited to the first trader;
assigning, by the payment processor, a fourth position to the first trader in a futures contract characterized by a settlement date, a quantity and a price, the fourth position being characterized by a value based on the quantity and the price of the futures contract as of the assigning, and a fifth position to the second trader, counter to the fourth position, in the futures contract, the first and second traders not being identified to each other;
valuing, by the settlement processor upon occurrence of the settlement date, the futures contract at a spot value different from the price of the futures contract, the spot value being based on the determined interest payment amount; and
modifying, by the margin processor, the first and second account records in the account database to reflect a debit from the account of the first trader and a credit to the account of the second trader in the amount of the difference between the value of the second position and the spot value. 4. The computer implemented method of claim 1 further comprising:
when the account of the first trader is debited and the account of the second trader is credited:
determining, by the payment processor, the amount of an interest payment to be made from the second to the first trader in advance of settlement thereof based on the amount credited to the first trader;
assigning, by the payment processor, a sixth position to the first trader in a futures contract characterized by a settlement date, a quantity and a price, the sixth position being characterized by a value based on the quantity and the price of the futures contract as of the assigning, and a seventh position to the second trader, counter to the sixth position, in the futures contract, the first and second traders not being identified to each other;
valuing, by the settlement processor upon occurrence of the settlement date, the futures contract at a spot value different from the price of the futures contract, the spot value being based on the determined interest payment amount; and
modifying, by the margin processor, the first and second account records in the account database to reflect a credit to the account of the first trader and a debit from the account of the second trader in the amount of the difference between the value of the second position and the spot value. 5. The computer implemented method of claim 1 wherein the quantity of futures contract is one, the assigning of the second and third positions to the first and second traders respectively, further comprising assigning the second and third positions in a plurality of the futures contract, the quantity of the plurality of the futures contract being determined based on the payment amount. 6. The computer implemented method of claim 1 wherein the value of the second and third positions as of the assigning is one of zero or non-zero. 7. The computer implemented method of claim 1 wherein the determining, assigning, valuing and modifying are performed periodically. 8. The computer implemented method of claim 7 wherein the determining, assigning, valuing and modifying occur one of quarterly, semiannually, or annually. 9. The computer implemented method of claim 1 wherein the determining of the payment amount occurs upon occurrence of the settlement date. 10. The computer implemented method of claim 1 wherein the quantity of the futures contract is one, the assigning of the second and third positions to the first and second traders respectively, further comprising assigning the second and third positions in a plurality of the futures contract, the quantity of the plurality of the futures contract being determined based on the payment amount. 11. The computer implemented method of claim 1 wherein the spot value is valued based on a multiplier and a final settlement value. 12. The computer implemented method of claim 1 wherein the first instrument comprises a futures contract. 13. A system for facilitating a payment between traders based on a first position in a first instrument held by a first trader to which a second trader is a counterparty, the system comprising:
a payment processor coupled with a memory and operative to determine, based on the first position, the amount of a payment to be made from one of the first or second trader to the other of the first or second trader in advance of settlement thereof, the amount of the payment being further based on accrued dividends associated with a reference index; and wherein the payment processor is further operative to automatically assign, based on the first position, a second position to the first trader in a futures contract characterized by a settlement date, a quantity and a price, the second position being characterized by a value based on the quantity and the price of the futures contract as of the assignment, and automatically assign a third position to the second trader, counter to the second position, in the futures contract, the first and second traders not being identified to each other; a settlement processor coupled with the memory and operative to value, upon occurrence of the settlement date, the futures contract at a spot value different from the price of the futures contract, the spot value being based on the determined payment amount; and a margin processor coupled with the settlement processor and the memory and operative to modify a first account record associated with the first trader and a second account record associated with the second trader, both stored in an account database stored in the memory, to reflect a credit to the account of the first trader and a debit from the account of the second trader in the amount of the difference between the value of the second position and the spot value when the difference represents a loss for the second trader, or to reflect a debit from the account of the first trader and a credit to the account of the second trader in the amount of the difference between the value of the second position and the spot value when the difference represents a loss for the first trader. 14. The system of claim 13 wherein the reference index comprises one of the S&P 500, the DJIA or the NASDAQ 100. 15. The system of claim 13 further comprising:
when the account of the first trader is credited and the account of the second trader is debited:
the payment processor being further operative to determine the amount of an interest payment to be made from the first to the second trader in advance of settlement thereof based on the amount credited to the first trader, assign a fourth position to the first trader in a futures contract characterized by a settlement date, a quantity and a price, the fourth position being characterized by a value based on the quantity and the price of the futures contract as of the assignment, and assign a fifth position to the second trader, counter to the fourth position, in the futures contract, the first and second traders not being identified to each other;
the settlement processor being further operative to value, upon occurrence of the settlement date, the futures contract at a spot value different from the price of the futures contract, the spot value being based on the determined interest payment amount; and
the margin processor being further operative to modify the first and second account records in the account database to reflect a debit from the account of the first trader and a credit to the account of the second trader in the amount of the difference between the value of the second position and the spot value. 16. The system of claim 13 further comprising:
when the account of the first trader is debited and the account of the second trader is credited:
the payment processor being further operative to determine the amount of an interest payment to be made from the second to the first trader in advance of settlement thereof based on the amount credited to the first trader, assign a sixth position to the first trader in a futures contract characterized by a settlement date, a quantity and a price, the sixth position being characterized by a value based on the quantity and the price of the futures contract as of the assignment, and assign a seventh position to the second trader, counter to the sixth position, in the futures contract, the first and second traders not being identified to each other;
the settlement processor being further operative to value, upon occurrence of the settlement date, the futures contract at a spot value different from the price of the futures contract, the spot value being based on the determined interest payment amount; and
the margin processor being further operative to modify the first and second account records in the account database to reflect a credit to the account of the first trader and a debit from the account of the second trader in the amount of the difference between the value of the second position and the spot value. 17. The system of claim 13 wherein the quantity of futures contract is one, the payment processor being further operative to assign the second and third positions in a plurality of the futures contract, the quantity of the plurality of the futures contract being determined based on the payment amount. 18. The system of claim 13 wherein the value of the second and third positions as of the assignment is one of zero or non-zero. 19. The system of claim 13 wherein the payment processor determines the payment amount periodically. 20. The system of claim 19 wherein the payment processor determines the payment amount one of quarterly, semiannually, or annually. 21. The system of claim 13 wherein the payment processor is operative to determine the payment amount upon occurrence of the settlement date. 22. The system of claim 13 wherein the quantity of the futures contract is one, the assigning of the second and third positions to the first and second traders respectively, further comprising assigning the second and third positions in a plurality of the futures contract, the quantity of the plurality of the futures contract being determined based on the payment amount. 23. The system of claim 13 wherein the spot value is valued based on a multiplier and a final settlement value. 24. The system of claim 13 wherein the first instrument comprises a futures contract. 25. A system for facilitating a payment between traders based on a first position in a first instrument by a first trader to which a second trader is a counterparty, the system comprising: means for determining, based on the first position, the amount of a payment to be made from one of the first or second trader to the other of the first or second trader in advance of settlement thereof, the amount of the payment being further based on accrued dividends associated with a reference index;
means for assigning, based on the first position, a second position to the first trader in a futures contract characterized by the settlement date, a quantity and a price, the second position being characterized by a value based on the quantity and the price of the futures contract as of the assigning, and a third position to the second trader, counter to the second position, in the futures contract, the first and second traders not being identified to each other; means for valuing, upon occurrence of the settlement date, the futures contract at a spot value different from the price of the futures contract, the spot value being based on the determined payment amount; and means for modifying the first account record associated with the first trader and a second account record associated with the second trader, both stored in an account database stored in a memory to reflect a credit to the account of the first trader and a debit from the account of the second trader in the amount of the difference between the value of the second position and the spot value when the difference represents a loss for the second trader or to reflect a debit from the account of the first trader and a credit to the account of the second trader in the amount of the difference between the value of the second position and the spot value when the difference represents a loss for the first trader. 26. A system for facilitating a payment between traders based on a first position in a first instrument held by a first trader to which a second trader is a counterparty, the system comprising:
first logic stored in a memory and executable by a processor to determine, based on the first position, the amount of a payment to be made from one of the first or second trader to the other of the first or second trader in advance of settlement thereof, the amount of the payment being further based on accrued dividends associated with a reference index; the first logic being further executable to automatically assign, based on the first position, a second position to the first trader in a futures contract characterized by the settlement date, a quantity and a price, the second position being characterized by a value based on the quantity and the price of the futures contract as of the assignment, and a third position to the second trader, counter to the second position, in the futures contract, the first and second traders not being identified to each other; second logic stored in the memory and executable by the processor to value, upon occurrence of the settlement date, the futures contract at a spot value different from the price of the futures contract, the spot value being based on the determined payment amount; and third logic stored in the memory and executable by the processor to modify a first account record associated with the first trader and second account record associated with the second trader, both stored in an account database stored in the memory to reflect a credit to the account of the first trader and a debit from the account of the second trader in the amount of the difference between the value of the second position and the spot value when the difference represents a loss for the second trader, or to reflect a debit from the account of the first trader and a credit to the account of the second trader in the amount of the difference between the value of the second position and the spot value when the difference represents a loss for the first trader. | 3,600 |
12,740 | 12,740 | 14,136,446 | 3,664 | The present invention combines the geographical coverage possible with fixed, pre-defined route segment costs (e.g. the legal speed limit) with, wherever possible, richer time dependent costs. A user of, for example, a portable navigation device, can therefore continue route planning as before to virtually any destination in a country covered by the stored map database, but wherever possible, can also use traffic data with time-dependent costs, so that the effect of congestion with any time predictability can be accurately taken into account as an automatic, background process. It leaves the user to simply carry on driving, following the guidance offered by the navigation device, without needing to be concerned about congestion that exists now, and whether it will impact his journey. | 1-56. (canceled) 57. A routing system, comprising memory storing a map database that defines roads in terms of route segments, the map database including:
a fixed, predefined time-independent cost associated with each different route segment in the map database; and a historical time-dependent cost, for each of a plurality of time windows, associated with at least some of the route segments in the map database, the cost relating to an average vehicle speed or transit time along the route segment measured or inferred from historical vehicle traffic flow or movement obtained by a traffic monitoring system, the routing system being arranged to receive updated time-dependent costs for one or more route segments for at least one of a current and future time based on an identification of currently congested route segments by the traffic monitoring system, and the routing system being programmed with software comprising a routing algorithm that enables a route to be planned to a destination at a specific time using one or more route segments and that calculates an estimated cost of reaching that destination by automatically using: (i) the time-dependent cost for a route segment if available, the time-dependent cost being a received updated cost for the specific time when the route segment is planned to be traversed or, if an updated cost has not been received, the historical cost for the appropriate time window; or (ii) the fixed, predefined time-independent cost for a route segment if a time-dependent cost for the route segment is not available in the map database. 58. The routing system of claim 57 in which the fixed, predefined time-independent cost associated with a particular route segment has not been measured or inferred from actual vehicle traffic flow or movement but instead is a function of: (i) the type of road associated with that route segment; or (ii) the speed limit applicable to that route segment. 59. The routing system of claim 57 in which the cost associated with a particular route is at least one of: an estimated time taken to reach the destination; a fuel usage associated with the route; and a chargeable financial cost associated with the route. 60. The routing system of claim 57 in which the cost associated with a particular route is of a type that an end-user can select from a menu list displayed on a computing device. 61. The routing system of claim 57 in which the software calculates the cost of the route as part of a cost minimisation algorithm. 62. The routing system of claim 57 in which the historical time-dependent costs are a function of at least one of: a time of day or night; the days of the week; public holidays; school holidays; and any event that will likely impact on route segment costs. 63. The routing system of claim 57 in which the routing system is one of: a GPS based portable navigation device; a mobile telephone with a location finding system; and a device permanently embedded into a motor vehicle. 64. A traffic monitoring system comprising a processing module arranged to process data representative of vehicles moving along roads in a designated geographical area, the roads being defined in a map database in terms of route segments, to measure traffic speed or transit time data as a function of time, wherein the processing module is arranged to:
generate a database of historical time-dependent traffic speeds or transit times for at least some route segments in the map database, the data associated with a route segment comprising an average traffic speed or transit time along the route segment for each of a plurality of time windows; identify currently congested route segments on which the current traffic speed or transit time is less than expected; and predict a traffic speed or transit time for a future time for at least one currently congested route segment based on a comparison of recently observed traffic speeds or transits times for the at least one segment with the historical average traffic speed or transit time for the appropriate time window. 65. A system comprising: a routing system as claimed in claim 57; and a traffic monitoring system as claimed in claim 64. 66. A method of planning a route to a destination, comprising:
using a map database that defines roads in terms of route segments, the map database including: a fixed, predefined time-independent cost associated with each different route segment in the map database; and a historical time-dependent cost, for each of a plurality of time windows, associated with at least some of the route segments in the map database, the cost relating to an average vehicle speed or transit time along the route segment measured or inferred from historical vehicle traffic flow or movement obtained by a traffic monitoring system; receiving updated time-dependent costs for one or more route segments for at least one of a current and future time based on an identification of currently congested route segments by the traffic monitoring system; and using software comprising a routing algorithm that enables a route to be planned to a destination at a specific time using one or more route segments and that calculates an estimated cost of reaching that destination by automatically using: (i) the time-dependent cost for a route segment if available, the time-dependent cost being a received updated cost for the specific time when the route segment is planned to be traversed or, if an updated cost has not been received, the historical cost for the appropriate time window; or (ii) the fixed, predefined time-independent cost for a route segment if a time-dependent cost for the route segment is not available in the map database. 67. The method of claim 66 in which the fixed, predefined time-independent cost associated with a particular route segment has not been measured or inferred from actual vehicle traffic flow or movement but instead is a function of: (i) the type of road associated with that route segment; or (ii) the speed limit applicable to that route segment. 68. The method of claim 66 in which the cost associated with a particular route is at least one of: an estimated time taken to reach the destination; a fuel usage associated with the route; and a chargeable financial cost associated with the route. 69. The method of claim 66 in which the cost associated with a particular route is of a type that an end-user can select from a menu list displayed on a computing device. 70. The method of claim 66 in which the software calculates the cost of the route as part of a cost minimisation algorithm. 71. A method in which data representative of vehicles moving along roads in a designated geographical area, the roads being defined in a map database in terms of route segments, is processed by a processing module of a traffic monitoring system to measure traffic speed or transit time data as a function of time, the method comprising:
generating a database of historical time-dependent traffic speeds or transit times for at least some route segments in the map database, the data associated with a route segment comprising an average traffic speed or transit time along the route segment for each of a plurality of time windows; identifying currently congested route segments on which the current traffic speed or transit time is less than expected; and predicting a traffic speed or transit time for a future time for at least one currently congested route segment based on a comparison of recently observed traffic speeds or transits times for the at least one segment with the historical average traffic speed or transit time for the appropriate time window. 72. A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing computer software that, when executed on a computer, causes the computer to perform the method of claim 66. 73. A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing computer software that, when executed on a computer, causes the computer to perform the method of claim 71. | The present invention combines the geographical coverage possible with fixed, pre-defined route segment costs (e.g. the legal speed limit) with, wherever possible, richer time dependent costs. A user of, for example, a portable navigation device, can therefore continue route planning as before to virtually any destination in a country covered by the stored map database, but wherever possible, can also use traffic data with time-dependent costs, so that the effect of congestion with any time predictability can be accurately taken into account as an automatic, background process. It leaves the user to simply carry on driving, following the guidance offered by the navigation device, without needing to be concerned about congestion that exists now, and whether it will impact his journey.1-56. (canceled) 57. A routing system, comprising memory storing a map database that defines roads in terms of route segments, the map database including:
a fixed, predefined time-independent cost associated with each different route segment in the map database; and a historical time-dependent cost, for each of a plurality of time windows, associated with at least some of the route segments in the map database, the cost relating to an average vehicle speed or transit time along the route segment measured or inferred from historical vehicle traffic flow or movement obtained by a traffic monitoring system, the routing system being arranged to receive updated time-dependent costs for one or more route segments for at least one of a current and future time based on an identification of currently congested route segments by the traffic monitoring system, and the routing system being programmed with software comprising a routing algorithm that enables a route to be planned to a destination at a specific time using one or more route segments and that calculates an estimated cost of reaching that destination by automatically using: (i) the time-dependent cost for a route segment if available, the time-dependent cost being a received updated cost for the specific time when the route segment is planned to be traversed or, if an updated cost has not been received, the historical cost for the appropriate time window; or (ii) the fixed, predefined time-independent cost for a route segment if a time-dependent cost for the route segment is not available in the map database. 58. The routing system of claim 57 in which the fixed, predefined time-independent cost associated with a particular route segment has not been measured or inferred from actual vehicle traffic flow or movement but instead is a function of: (i) the type of road associated with that route segment; or (ii) the speed limit applicable to that route segment. 59. The routing system of claim 57 in which the cost associated with a particular route is at least one of: an estimated time taken to reach the destination; a fuel usage associated with the route; and a chargeable financial cost associated with the route. 60. The routing system of claim 57 in which the cost associated with a particular route is of a type that an end-user can select from a menu list displayed on a computing device. 61. The routing system of claim 57 in which the software calculates the cost of the route as part of a cost minimisation algorithm. 62. The routing system of claim 57 in which the historical time-dependent costs are a function of at least one of: a time of day or night; the days of the week; public holidays; school holidays; and any event that will likely impact on route segment costs. 63. The routing system of claim 57 in which the routing system is one of: a GPS based portable navigation device; a mobile telephone with a location finding system; and a device permanently embedded into a motor vehicle. 64. A traffic monitoring system comprising a processing module arranged to process data representative of vehicles moving along roads in a designated geographical area, the roads being defined in a map database in terms of route segments, to measure traffic speed or transit time data as a function of time, wherein the processing module is arranged to:
generate a database of historical time-dependent traffic speeds or transit times for at least some route segments in the map database, the data associated with a route segment comprising an average traffic speed or transit time along the route segment for each of a plurality of time windows; identify currently congested route segments on which the current traffic speed or transit time is less than expected; and predict a traffic speed or transit time for a future time for at least one currently congested route segment based on a comparison of recently observed traffic speeds or transits times for the at least one segment with the historical average traffic speed or transit time for the appropriate time window. 65. A system comprising: a routing system as claimed in claim 57; and a traffic monitoring system as claimed in claim 64. 66. A method of planning a route to a destination, comprising:
using a map database that defines roads in terms of route segments, the map database including: a fixed, predefined time-independent cost associated with each different route segment in the map database; and a historical time-dependent cost, for each of a plurality of time windows, associated with at least some of the route segments in the map database, the cost relating to an average vehicle speed or transit time along the route segment measured or inferred from historical vehicle traffic flow or movement obtained by a traffic monitoring system; receiving updated time-dependent costs for one or more route segments for at least one of a current and future time based on an identification of currently congested route segments by the traffic monitoring system; and using software comprising a routing algorithm that enables a route to be planned to a destination at a specific time using one or more route segments and that calculates an estimated cost of reaching that destination by automatically using: (i) the time-dependent cost for a route segment if available, the time-dependent cost being a received updated cost for the specific time when the route segment is planned to be traversed or, if an updated cost has not been received, the historical cost for the appropriate time window; or (ii) the fixed, predefined time-independent cost for a route segment if a time-dependent cost for the route segment is not available in the map database. 67. The method of claim 66 in which the fixed, predefined time-independent cost associated with a particular route segment has not been measured or inferred from actual vehicle traffic flow or movement but instead is a function of: (i) the type of road associated with that route segment; or (ii) the speed limit applicable to that route segment. 68. The method of claim 66 in which the cost associated with a particular route is at least one of: an estimated time taken to reach the destination; a fuel usage associated with the route; and a chargeable financial cost associated with the route. 69. The method of claim 66 in which the cost associated with a particular route is of a type that an end-user can select from a menu list displayed on a computing device. 70. The method of claim 66 in which the software calculates the cost of the route as part of a cost minimisation algorithm. 71. A method in which data representative of vehicles moving along roads in a designated geographical area, the roads being defined in a map database in terms of route segments, is processed by a processing module of a traffic monitoring system to measure traffic speed or transit time data as a function of time, the method comprising:
generating a database of historical time-dependent traffic speeds or transit times for at least some route segments in the map database, the data associated with a route segment comprising an average traffic speed or transit time along the route segment for each of a plurality of time windows; identifying currently congested route segments on which the current traffic speed or transit time is less than expected; and predicting a traffic speed or transit time for a future time for at least one currently congested route segment based on a comparison of recently observed traffic speeds or transits times for the at least one segment with the historical average traffic speed or transit time for the appropriate time window. 72. A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing computer software that, when executed on a computer, causes the computer to perform the method of claim 66. 73. A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing computer software that, when executed on a computer, causes the computer to perform the method of claim 71. | 3,600 |
12,741 | 12,741 | 15,079,266 | 3,696 | A system for moving money between accounts of traders by a central counterparty to facilitate payments, i.e. the movement of funds, there between is disclosed which provides a flexible mechanism which supports simpler accounting, new types of derivatives contracts as well new types fees. The disclosed futures contract, referred to as a “payer” contract, comprises a “no-uncertainty” futures contract, i.e. the initial value and settlement value parameters are defined, that leverages the mechanisms of the clearing system to, for example, accommodate related payments. Accordingly, a 1-to-many relationship between contracts and prices is provided whereby each price component may be assigned its own payer contract. The function of the payer contract may be to guarantee the movement of money from related positions. In one embodiment, payer contracts are dynamically created whenever a payment is needed. | 1. A computer implemented method of facilitating a payment between traders based on a first position in a first instrument held by a first trader to which a second trader is a counterparty, the method comprising:
determining, by a payment processor based on the first position, the amount of a payment to be made from one of the first or second trader to the other of the first or second trader in advance of settlement thereof; assigning, automatically by the payment processor based on the first position, a second position to the first trader in a futures contract characterized by a settlement date, a quantity and a price, the second position being characterized by a value based on the quantity and the price of the futures contract as of the assigning, and a third position to the second trader, counter to the second position, in the futures contract, the first and second traders not being identified to each other; valuing, by a settlement processor upon occurrence of the settlement date, the futures contract at a spot value different from the price of the futures contract, the spot value being based on the determined payment amount; and modifying, by a margin processor, a first account record associated with the first trader and a second account record associated with the second trader, both stored in an account database stored in a memory coupled with the processor, to reflect a credit to the account of the first trader and a debit from the account of the second trader in the amount of the difference between the value of the second position and the spot value when the difference represents a loss for the second trader or to reflect a debit from the account of the first trader and a credit to the account of the second trader in the amount of the difference between the value of the second position and the spot value when the difference represents a loss for the first trader. 2. The computer implemented method of claim 1 wherein the first instrument comprises an interest rate derivative, the payment comprising a coupon payment. 3. The computer implemented method of claim 1 wherein the first instrument comprises an equity based derivatives contract, the payment comprising a dividend payment. 4. The computer implemented method of claim 1 wherein the first instrument comprises a foreign exchange spot contract, the payment comprising an interest rate differential payment. 5. The computer implemented method of claim 1 wherein the first instrument comprises an interest rate swap, the payment comprising an interest payment. 6. The computer implemented method of claim 1 wherein the first instrument comprises a loan of collateral, the payment comprising an interest payment. 7. The computer implemented method of claim 1 wherein the payment comprises a transaction fee. 8. The computer implemented method of claim 1 wherein the quantity of futures contract is one, the assigning of the second and third positions to the first and second traders respectively, further comprising assigning the second and third positions in a plurality of the futures contract, the quantity of the plurality of the futures contract being determined based on the payment amount. 9. The computer implemented method of claim 1 wherein the value of the second and third positions as of the assigning is one of zero or non-zero. 10. The computer implemented method of claim 9 wherein the spot value is one of zero or non-zero. 11. The computer implemented method of claim 9 wherein the spot value is valued based on a multiplier and a final settlement value. 12. The computer implemented method of claim 11 wherein the multiplier comprises a value selected from the group comprising 0.01, 0.10, 1.00, 10.00, 100.00, 1000.00, 10,000.00. 13. The computer implemented method of claim 1 wherein the determining, assigning, valuing and modifying are performed periodically. 14. The computer implemented method of claim 13 wherein the determining, assigning, valuing and modifying occur one of quarterly, semiannually, or annually. 15. The computer implemented method of claim 1 wherein the determining of the payment amount occurs upon occurrence of the settlement date. 16. A system for facilitating a payment between traders based on a first position in a first instrument held by a first trader to which a second trader is a counterparty, the system comprising:
a payment processor coupled with a memory and operative to determine, based on the first position, the amount of a payment to be made from one of the first or second trader to the other of the first or second trader in advance of settlement thereof; and wherein the payment processor is further operative to automatically assign, based on the first position, a second position to the first trader in a futures contract characterized by the settlement date, a quantity and a price, the first position being characterized by a value based on the quantity and the price of the futures contract as of the assignment, and automatically assign a third position to the second trader, counter to the second position, in the futures contract, the first and second traders not being identified to each other; a settlement processor coupled with the memory and operative to value, upon occurrence of the settlement date, the futures contract at a spot value different from the price of the futures contract, the spot value being based on the determined payment amount; and a margin processor coupled with the settlement processor and the memory and operative to modify a first account record associated with the first trader and a second account record associated with a second trader, both stored in an account database stored in the memory, to reflect a credit to the account of the first trader and a debit from the account of the second trader in the amount of the difference between the value of the second position and the spot value when the difference represents a loss for the second trader, or to reflect a debit from the account of the first trader and a credit to the account of the second trader in the amount of the difference between the value of the second position and the spot value when the difference represents a loss for the first trader. 17. The system of claim 16 wherein the first instrument comprises an interest rate derivative, the payment comprising a coupon payment. 18. The system of claim 16 wherein the first instrument comprises an equity based derivatives contract, the payment comprising a dividend payment. 19. The system of claim 16 wherein the first instrument comprises a foreign exchange spot contract, the payment comprising an interest rate differential payment. 20. The system of claim 16 wherein the first instrument comprises an interest rate swap, the payment comprising an interest payment. 21. The system of claim 16 wherein the first instrument comprises a loan of collateral, the payment comprising an interest payment. 22. The system of claim 16 wherein the payment comprises a transaction fee. 23. The system of claim 16 wherein the quantity of futures contract is one, the payment processor being further operative to assign the second and third positions in a plurality of the futures contract, the quantity of the plurality of the futures contract being determined based on the payment amount. 24. The system of claim 16 wherein the value of the first and second positions as of the assignment is one of zero or non-zero. 25. The system of claim 24 wherein the spot value is one of zero or non-zero. 26. The system of claim 24 wherein the spot value is valued based on a multiplier and a final settlement value. 27. The system of claim 26 wherein the multiplier comprises a value selected from the group comprising 0.01, 0.10, 1.00, 10.00, 100.00, 1000.00, 10,000.00. 28. The system of claim 16 wherein the payment processor determines the payment amount periodically. 29. The system of claim 28 wherein the payment processor determines the payment amount one of quarterly, semiannually, or annually. 30. The system of claim 16 wherein the payment processor is operative to determine the payment amount upon occurrence of the settlement date. 31. A system for facilitating a payment between traders based on a first position in a first instrument held by a first trader to which a second trader is a counterparty, the system comprising:
first logic stored in a memory and executable by a processor to determine, based on the first position, the amount of a payment to be made from one of the first or second trader to the other of the first or second trader in advance of settlement thereof; the first logic being further executable to automatically assign, based on the first position, a second position to the first trader in a futures contract characterized by the settlement date, a quantity and a price, the second position being characterized by a value based on the quantity and the price of the futures contract as of the assignment, and a third position to the second trader, counter to the second position, in the futures contract, the first and second traders not being identified to each other; second logic stored in the memory and executable by the processor to value, upon occurrence of the settlement date, the futures contract at a spot value different from the price of the futures contract, the spot value being based on the determined payment amount; and third logic stored in the memory and executable by the processor to modify a first account record associated with the first trader and a second account record associated with the second trader, both stored in an account database stored in the memory, to reflect a credit to the account of the first trader and a debit from the account of the second trader in the amount of the difference between the value of the second position and the spot value when the difference represents a loss for the second trader, or to reflect a debit from the account of the first trader and a credit to the account of the second trader in the amount of the difference between the value of the second position and the spot value when the difference represents a loss for the first trader. | A system for moving money between accounts of traders by a central counterparty to facilitate payments, i.e. the movement of funds, there between is disclosed which provides a flexible mechanism which supports simpler accounting, new types of derivatives contracts as well new types fees. The disclosed futures contract, referred to as a “payer” contract, comprises a “no-uncertainty” futures contract, i.e. the initial value and settlement value parameters are defined, that leverages the mechanisms of the clearing system to, for example, accommodate related payments. Accordingly, a 1-to-many relationship between contracts and prices is provided whereby each price component may be assigned its own payer contract. The function of the payer contract may be to guarantee the movement of money from related positions. In one embodiment, payer contracts are dynamically created whenever a payment is needed.1. A computer implemented method of facilitating a payment between traders based on a first position in a first instrument held by a first trader to which a second trader is a counterparty, the method comprising:
determining, by a payment processor based on the first position, the amount of a payment to be made from one of the first or second trader to the other of the first or second trader in advance of settlement thereof; assigning, automatically by the payment processor based on the first position, a second position to the first trader in a futures contract characterized by a settlement date, a quantity and a price, the second position being characterized by a value based on the quantity and the price of the futures contract as of the assigning, and a third position to the second trader, counter to the second position, in the futures contract, the first and second traders not being identified to each other; valuing, by a settlement processor upon occurrence of the settlement date, the futures contract at a spot value different from the price of the futures contract, the spot value being based on the determined payment amount; and modifying, by a margin processor, a first account record associated with the first trader and a second account record associated with the second trader, both stored in an account database stored in a memory coupled with the processor, to reflect a credit to the account of the first trader and a debit from the account of the second trader in the amount of the difference between the value of the second position and the spot value when the difference represents a loss for the second trader or to reflect a debit from the account of the first trader and a credit to the account of the second trader in the amount of the difference between the value of the second position and the spot value when the difference represents a loss for the first trader. 2. The computer implemented method of claim 1 wherein the first instrument comprises an interest rate derivative, the payment comprising a coupon payment. 3. The computer implemented method of claim 1 wherein the first instrument comprises an equity based derivatives contract, the payment comprising a dividend payment. 4. The computer implemented method of claim 1 wherein the first instrument comprises a foreign exchange spot contract, the payment comprising an interest rate differential payment. 5. The computer implemented method of claim 1 wherein the first instrument comprises an interest rate swap, the payment comprising an interest payment. 6. The computer implemented method of claim 1 wherein the first instrument comprises a loan of collateral, the payment comprising an interest payment. 7. The computer implemented method of claim 1 wherein the payment comprises a transaction fee. 8. The computer implemented method of claim 1 wherein the quantity of futures contract is one, the assigning of the second and third positions to the first and second traders respectively, further comprising assigning the second and third positions in a plurality of the futures contract, the quantity of the plurality of the futures contract being determined based on the payment amount. 9. The computer implemented method of claim 1 wherein the value of the second and third positions as of the assigning is one of zero or non-zero. 10. The computer implemented method of claim 9 wherein the spot value is one of zero or non-zero. 11. The computer implemented method of claim 9 wherein the spot value is valued based on a multiplier and a final settlement value. 12. The computer implemented method of claim 11 wherein the multiplier comprises a value selected from the group comprising 0.01, 0.10, 1.00, 10.00, 100.00, 1000.00, 10,000.00. 13. The computer implemented method of claim 1 wherein the determining, assigning, valuing and modifying are performed periodically. 14. The computer implemented method of claim 13 wherein the determining, assigning, valuing and modifying occur one of quarterly, semiannually, or annually. 15. The computer implemented method of claim 1 wherein the determining of the payment amount occurs upon occurrence of the settlement date. 16. A system for facilitating a payment between traders based on a first position in a first instrument held by a first trader to which a second trader is a counterparty, the system comprising:
a payment processor coupled with a memory and operative to determine, based on the first position, the amount of a payment to be made from one of the first or second trader to the other of the first or second trader in advance of settlement thereof; and wherein the payment processor is further operative to automatically assign, based on the first position, a second position to the first trader in a futures contract characterized by the settlement date, a quantity and a price, the first position being characterized by a value based on the quantity and the price of the futures contract as of the assignment, and automatically assign a third position to the second trader, counter to the second position, in the futures contract, the first and second traders not being identified to each other; a settlement processor coupled with the memory and operative to value, upon occurrence of the settlement date, the futures contract at a spot value different from the price of the futures contract, the spot value being based on the determined payment amount; and a margin processor coupled with the settlement processor and the memory and operative to modify a first account record associated with the first trader and a second account record associated with a second trader, both stored in an account database stored in the memory, to reflect a credit to the account of the first trader and a debit from the account of the second trader in the amount of the difference between the value of the second position and the spot value when the difference represents a loss for the second trader, or to reflect a debit from the account of the first trader and a credit to the account of the second trader in the amount of the difference between the value of the second position and the spot value when the difference represents a loss for the first trader. 17. The system of claim 16 wherein the first instrument comprises an interest rate derivative, the payment comprising a coupon payment. 18. The system of claim 16 wherein the first instrument comprises an equity based derivatives contract, the payment comprising a dividend payment. 19. The system of claim 16 wherein the first instrument comprises a foreign exchange spot contract, the payment comprising an interest rate differential payment. 20. The system of claim 16 wherein the first instrument comprises an interest rate swap, the payment comprising an interest payment. 21. The system of claim 16 wherein the first instrument comprises a loan of collateral, the payment comprising an interest payment. 22. The system of claim 16 wherein the payment comprises a transaction fee. 23. The system of claim 16 wherein the quantity of futures contract is one, the payment processor being further operative to assign the second and third positions in a plurality of the futures contract, the quantity of the plurality of the futures contract being determined based on the payment amount. 24. The system of claim 16 wherein the value of the first and second positions as of the assignment is one of zero or non-zero. 25. The system of claim 24 wherein the spot value is one of zero or non-zero. 26. The system of claim 24 wherein the spot value is valued based on a multiplier and a final settlement value. 27. The system of claim 26 wherein the multiplier comprises a value selected from the group comprising 0.01, 0.10, 1.00, 10.00, 100.00, 1000.00, 10,000.00. 28. The system of claim 16 wherein the payment processor determines the payment amount periodically. 29. The system of claim 28 wherein the payment processor determines the payment amount one of quarterly, semiannually, or annually. 30. The system of claim 16 wherein the payment processor is operative to determine the payment amount upon occurrence of the settlement date. 31. A system for facilitating a payment between traders based on a first position in a first instrument held by a first trader to which a second trader is a counterparty, the system comprising:
first logic stored in a memory and executable by a processor to determine, based on the first position, the amount of a payment to be made from one of the first or second trader to the other of the first or second trader in advance of settlement thereof; the first logic being further executable to automatically assign, based on the first position, a second position to the first trader in a futures contract characterized by the settlement date, a quantity and a price, the second position being characterized by a value based on the quantity and the price of the futures contract as of the assignment, and a third position to the second trader, counter to the second position, in the futures contract, the first and second traders not being identified to each other; second logic stored in the memory and executable by the processor to value, upon occurrence of the settlement date, the futures contract at a spot value different from the price of the futures contract, the spot value being based on the determined payment amount; and third logic stored in the memory and executable by the processor to modify a first account record associated with the first trader and a second account record associated with the second trader, both stored in an account database stored in the memory, to reflect a credit to the account of the first trader and a debit from the account of the second trader in the amount of the difference between the value of the second position and the spot value when the difference represents a loss for the second trader, or to reflect a debit from the account of the first trader and a credit to the account of the second trader in the amount of the difference between the value of the second position and the spot value when the difference represents a loss for the first trader. | 3,600 |
12,742 | 12,742 | 14,538,512 | 3,695 | A method and apparatus is provided for constructing and using a smart wallet, i.e. a repository of payment instruments, such as, for example, credit cards, with automatic selection when making a purchase in an online environment. In one embodiment of the invention, the wallet service first finds the intersection of acceptable instruments between a merchant and a user. For example, the invention matches a list of user held credit cards against a list of acceptable credit cards at a merchant. The wallet service then intelligently selects, or at least ranks in order, the payment instruments based on value to the customer. The ranking can take into account: a) cash back rates; b) mileage rates for the specific potential purchase; and c) temporal discounts such as shipping or coupon discounts for the specific product type; etc. The act of automatically making a selection of a payment instrument, such as a credit card, in an online environment is analogous to what a human does when buying things at a store. The advantage is that an automatic system can integrate all the discount notices and coupons that are typically mailed to a cardholder. The system preferably presumes that a smart wallet is given information about a transaction, and has collected information about the payment instruments. | 1-34. (canceled) 35. A method for automatically selecting a payment instrument in an online environment including a user with a smart wallet application storing information about one or more payment instruments held by the user, the stored information comprising a number of and types of payment instruments, discount and incentive information from manufacturers, discount and incentive information from financial instrument companies and a predetermined priority with which to rank possible suggested payment instruments, the method comprising the following operations performed by one or more processors:
notifying, using a web browser of the user, a merchant application to make a purchase transaction for an offered product or service; responsive to the notifying of the merchant application, receiving from the merchant application information of the purchase transaction and a listing of payment Instruments accepted by the merchant; responsive to receiving the purchase transaction information from the merchant application, the smart wallet application of the user automatically processing the purchase transaction information to:
determine a rank based on the predetermined priority,
determine which of the user's stored payment instruments are accepted by the merchant application, and
automatically select at least one payment instrument from the payment instruments accepted by the merchant; and
responsive to a determination that no other discounts by any other available payment Instruments are offered, automatically selecting a single payment instrument and suggesting charging a set of bundled multiple purchases to the selected single payment instrument. 36. The method of claim 35, further comprising:
sending, using the smart wallet application, the selected payment instrument information to the merchant application for further processing. 37. The method of claim 35, further comprising:
contacting, using the smart wallet application, a bank with the selected payment instrument. 38. The method of claim 35, wherein the merchant application contacts a bank with the selected payment instrument. 39. The method of claim 35, further comprising:
providing discount information to the smart wallet application on an on-going basis for storing and tracking. 40. The method of claim 39, wherein the providing of discount information comprises at least one of electronically sending the discount information or automatically inputting the discount information. 41. The method of claim 35, further comprising:
using the smart wallet application as a discount tracker to review available discounts. 42. The method of claim 35, further comprising:
providing for multiple financial instrument selections for a single purchase to obtain multiple discounts. 43. The method of claim 35, wherein the discount information comprises at least one of temporal discounts, cash back rates, and mileage rates. 44. The method of claim 35, wherein the payment instrument is at least one of a credit card and a debit card. 45. An apparatus for automatically selecting a payment instrument in an environment including a smart wallet application of a user storing information about one or more payment instruments held by the user, the stored information comprising a number of and types of payment instruments, discount and incentive information from manufacturers, discount and incentive information from financial instrument companies and a predetermined priority with which to rank possible suggested payment instruments, the apparatus comprising a one or more hardware processors configured with a set of instructions to:
notify, using a web browser of the user, a merchant application to make a purchase transaction for an offered product or service; responsive to the notifying of the merchant application, receive from the merchant application information of the purchase transaction and a listing of payment instruments accepted by the merchant; responsive to receiving the purchase transaction information from the merchant application, the smart wallet application of the user automatically processing the purchase transaction Information to:
determine a rank based on the predetermined priority,
determine which of the user's stored payment instruments are accepted by the merchant application, and
automatically select at least one payment instrument from the payment instruments accepted by the merchant; and
responsive to a determination that no other discounts by any other available payment instruments are offered, automatically select a single payment instrument and suggest charging a set of bundled multiple purchases to the selected single payment instrument. 46. The apparatus of claim 45, wherein the one or more processors are further configured to:
send, using the smart wallet application, the selected payment instrument information to the merchant application for further processing. 47. The apparatus of claim 45, wherein the one or more processors are further configured to:
contact, using the smart wallet application, a bank with the selected payment instrument. 48. The apparatus of claim 45, wherein the merchant application contacts a bank with the selected payment instrument. 49. The apparatus of claim 45, wherein the one or more processors are further configured to:
provide discount information to the smart wallet application on an on-going basis for storing and tracking. 50. The apparatus of claim 49, wherein providing discount information comprises at least one of electronically sending the discount information or automatically inputting the discount information. 51. The apparatus of claim 45, wherein the one or more processors are further configured to:
use the smart wallet application as a discount tracker to review available discounts. 52. The apparatus of claim 45, wherein the one or more processors are further configured to:
provide for multiple financial instrument selections for a single purchase to obtain multiple discounts. 53. The apparatus of claim 45, wherein the discount information comprises at least one of temporal discounts, cash back rates, and mileage rates. 54. The apparatus of claim 45, wherein the payment instrument is at least one of a credit card and a debit card. | A method and apparatus is provided for constructing and using a smart wallet, i.e. a repository of payment instruments, such as, for example, credit cards, with automatic selection when making a purchase in an online environment. In one embodiment of the invention, the wallet service first finds the intersection of acceptable instruments between a merchant and a user. For example, the invention matches a list of user held credit cards against a list of acceptable credit cards at a merchant. The wallet service then intelligently selects, or at least ranks in order, the payment instruments based on value to the customer. The ranking can take into account: a) cash back rates; b) mileage rates for the specific potential purchase; and c) temporal discounts such as shipping or coupon discounts for the specific product type; etc. The act of automatically making a selection of a payment instrument, such as a credit card, in an online environment is analogous to what a human does when buying things at a store. The advantage is that an automatic system can integrate all the discount notices and coupons that are typically mailed to a cardholder. The system preferably presumes that a smart wallet is given information about a transaction, and has collected information about the payment instruments.1-34. (canceled) 35. A method for automatically selecting a payment instrument in an online environment including a user with a smart wallet application storing information about one or more payment instruments held by the user, the stored information comprising a number of and types of payment instruments, discount and incentive information from manufacturers, discount and incentive information from financial instrument companies and a predetermined priority with which to rank possible suggested payment instruments, the method comprising the following operations performed by one or more processors:
notifying, using a web browser of the user, a merchant application to make a purchase transaction for an offered product or service; responsive to the notifying of the merchant application, receiving from the merchant application information of the purchase transaction and a listing of payment Instruments accepted by the merchant; responsive to receiving the purchase transaction information from the merchant application, the smart wallet application of the user automatically processing the purchase transaction information to:
determine a rank based on the predetermined priority,
determine which of the user's stored payment instruments are accepted by the merchant application, and
automatically select at least one payment instrument from the payment instruments accepted by the merchant; and
responsive to a determination that no other discounts by any other available payment Instruments are offered, automatically selecting a single payment instrument and suggesting charging a set of bundled multiple purchases to the selected single payment instrument. 36. The method of claim 35, further comprising:
sending, using the smart wallet application, the selected payment instrument information to the merchant application for further processing. 37. The method of claim 35, further comprising:
contacting, using the smart wallet application, a bank with the selected payment instrument. 38. The method of claim 35, wherein the merchant application contacts a bank with the selected payment instrument. 39. The method of claim 35, further comprising:
providing discount information to the smart wallet application on an on-going basis for storing and tracking. 40. The method of claim 39, wherein the providing of discount information comprises at least one of electronically sending the discount information or automatically inputting the discount information. 41. The method of claim 35, further comprising:
using the smart wallet application as a discount tracker to review available discounts. 42. The method of claim 35, further comprising:
providing for multiple financial instrument selections for a single purchase to obtain multiple discounts. 43. The method of claim 35, wherein the discount information comprises at least one of temporal discounts, cash back rates, and mileage rates. 44. The method of claim 35, wherein the payment instrument is at least one of a credit card and a debit card. 45. An apparatus for automatically selecting a payment instrument in an environment including a smart wallet application of a user storing information about one or more payment instruments held by the user, the stored information comprising a number of and types of payment instruments, discount and incentive information from manufacturers, discount and incentive information from financial instrument companies and a predetermined priority with which to rank possible suggested payment instruments, the apparatus comprising a one or more hardware processors configured with a set of instructions to:
notify, using a web browser of the user, a merchant application to make a purchase transaction for an offered product or service; responsive to the notifying of the merchant application, receive from the merchant application information of the purchase transaction and a listing of payment instruments accepted by the merchant; responsive to receiving the purchase transaction information from the merchant application, the smart wallet application of the user automatically processing the purchase transaction Information to:
determine a rank based on the predetermined priority,
determine which of the user's stored payment instruments are accepted by the merchant application, and
automatically select at least one payment instrument from the payment instruments accepted by the merchant; and
responsive to a determination that no other discounts by any other available payment instruments are offered, automatically select a single payment instrument and suggest charging a set of bundled multiple purchases to the selected single payment instrument. 46. The apparatus of claim 45, wherein the one or more processors are further configured to:
send, using the smart wallet application, the selected payment instrument information to the merchant application for further processing. 47. The apparatus of claim 45, wherein the one or more processors are further configured to:
contact, using the smart wallet application, a bank with the selected payment instrument. 48. The apparatus of claim 45, wherein the merchant application contacts a bank with the selected payment instrument. 49. The apparatus of claim 45, wherein the one or more processors are further configured to:
provide discount information to the smart wallet application on an on-going basis for storing and tracking. 50. The apparatus of claim 49, wherein providing discount information comprises at least one of electronically sending the discount information or automatically inputting the discount information. 51. The apparatus of claim 45, wherein the one or more processors are further configured to:
use the smart wallet application as a discount tracker to review available discounts. 52. The apparatus of claim 45, wherein the one or more processors are further configured to:
provide for multiple financial instrument selections for a single purchase to obtain multiple discounts. 53. The apparatus of claim 45, wherein the discount information comprises at least one of temporal discounts, cash back rates, and mileage rates. 54. The apparatus of claim 45, wherein the payment instrument is at least one of a credit card and a debit card. | 3,600 |
12,743 | 12,743 | 14,856,346 | 3,682 | A system for processing a received virtual coupon to determine whether it is fraudulent includes a database having stored therein fraudulent coupon data for one or more fraudulent coupons, and a database containing a virtual repository for storing virtual coupons of a specified customer of a retail enterprise. A processor is operable to receive a virtual coupon from the specified customer and then decline to store it in the virtual repository or delete or disable it after storing if the received virtual coupon is determined to be fraudulent by comparing it to the fraudulent coupon data. | 1. A system for processing a received virtual coupon to determine whether it is fraudulent, the system comprising:
a first database having stored therein fraudulent coupon data of one or more fraudulent coupons, a second database having stored therein a virtual coupon repository, the virtual coupon repository configured to store therein virtual coupons for a specified customer of a retail enterprise, a processor coupled to the first and second databases, communication circuitry coupled to the processor, and a memory having instructions stored therein which, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to receive from the specified customer, via the communication circuitry, at least one communication signal including a virtual coupon and a request to store the received virtual coupon in the virtual coupon repository and to one of
(i) compare the received virtual coupon to the fraudulent coupon data stored in the first database, decline to store the received virtual coupon in the virtual coupon repository if the received virtual coupon matches the fraudulent coupon data of any of the one or more fraudulent coupons stored in the first database and otherwise store the received virtual coupon in the virtual coupon repository, and
(ii) store the received virtual coupon in the virtual coupon repository, thereafter compare the stored virtual coupon to the fraudulent coupon data stored in the first database and, if the received virtual coupon matches the fraudulent coupon data of any of the one or more fraudulent coupons stored in the first database, one of delete the stored virtual coupon from the virtual coupon repository and disable redemption of the stored virtual coupon such that the stored virtual coupon cannot be redeemed during a purchase transaction at the retail enterprise. 2. The system of claim 1 wherein the first and second databases are part of a single database. 3. The system of claim 1 wherein the first database is separate from the second database. 4. The system of claim 1 wherein the fraudulent coupon data includes a status flag for each of the one or more fraudulent coupons stored in the first database,
and wherein the instructions stored in the memory further include instructions which, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to compare the received or stored virtual coupon only to fraudulent coupon data of fraudulent coupons in the first database having a status flag set to a predefined state. 5. The system of claim 1 further comprising recording information about the received or stored virtual coupon in at least one of the first database, the second database, the memory and a data storage device separate from the first database, the second database and the memory if the received or stored virtual coupon matches the fraudulent coupon data of any of the one or more fraudulent coupons stored in the first database 6. The system of claim 1 further comprising a display communicatively coupled to the processor,
and wherein the instructions stored in the memory further include instructions which, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to control the display, when element (i) is executed by the processor, to display a message informing that the received virtual coupon was not stored in the virtual coupon repository if the received virtual coupon matches the fraudulent coupon data of any of the one or more fraudulent coupons stored in the first database. 7. The system of claim 1 further comprising a display communicatively coupled to the processor,
and wherein the instructions stored in the memory further include instructions which, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to control the display, when element (ii) is executed by the processor, to display a message informing that the stored virtual coupon has been deleted from the virtual coupon repository if the received virtual coupon matches the fraudulent coupon data of any of the one or more fraudulent coupons stored in the first database and the stored virtual coupon was deleted from the virtual coupon repository. 8. The system of claim 1 further comprising a display communicatively coupled to the processor,
and wherein the instructions stored in the memory further include instructions which, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to control the display, when element (ii) is executed by the processor, to display a message informing that redemption of the stored virtual coupon has been disabled if the received virtual coupon matches the fraudulent coupon data of any of the one or more fraudulent coupons stored in the first database and redemption of the stored virtual coupon has been disabled. 9. The system of claim 1 wherein the second database has stored therein a plurality of virtual coupon repositories each configured to store therein virtual coupons for a different one of a plurality of customers of the retail enterprise,
and wherein the request to store the received virtual coupon included the at least one communication signal includes a request to store the received virtual coupon in the one of the plurality of virtual coupon repositories associated with the specified customer,
and wherein the instructions stored in the memory further include instructions which, when element (i) is executed by the processor, cause the processor to decline to store the received virtual coupon in the one of the plurality of virtual coupon repositories associated with the specified customer if the received virtual coupon matches the fraudulent coupon data of any of the one or more fraudulent coupons stored in the first database and to otherwise store the received virtual coupon in the one of the plurality of virtual coupon repositories associated with the specified customer. 10. The system of claim 1 wherein the second database has stored therein a plurality of virtual coupon repositories each configured to store therein virtual coupons for a different one of a plurality of customers of the retail enterprise,
and wherein the request to store the received virtual coupon included the at least one communication signal includes a request to store the received virtual coupon in the one of the plurality of virtual coupon repositories associated with the specified customer,
and wherein the instructions stored in the memory further include instructions which, when element (ii) is executed by the processor, cause the processor to store the received virtual coupon in the one of the plurality of virtual coupon repositories associated with the specified customer and, if the received virtual coupon matches the fraudulent coupon data of any of the one or more fraudulent coupons stored in the first database, to one of delete the stored virtual coupon from the one of the plurality of virtual coupon repositories associated with the customer and disable redemption of the stored virtual coupon such that the stored virtual coupon cannot be redeemed during a purchase transaction at the retail enterprise. 11. A retail enterprise server for processing a received virtual coupon to determine whether it is fraudulent, the server comprising:
a first database having stored therein fraudulent coupon data of one or more fraudulent coupons, a second database having stored therein a virtual coupon repository, the virtual coupon repository configured to store therein virtual coupons for a specified customer of a retail enterprise, communication circuitry, and a virtual coupon management module to receive from the specified customer, via the communication circuitry, at least one communication signal including a virtual coupon and a request to store the received virtual coupon in the virtual coupon repository and to one of
(i) compare the received virtual coupon to the fraudulent coupon data stored in the first database, decline to store the received virtual coupon in the virtual coupon repository if the received virtual coupon matches the fraudulent coupon data of any of the one or more fraudulent coupons stored in the first database and otherwise store the received virtual coupon in the virtual coupon repository, and
(ii) store the received virtual coupon in the virtual coupon repository, thereafter compare the stored virtual coupon to the fraudulent coupon data stored in the first database and, if the received virtual coupon matches the fraudulent coupon data of any of the one or more fraudulent coupons stored in the first database, one of delete the stored virtual coupon from the virtual coupon repository and disable redemption of the stored virtual coupon such that the stored virtual coupon cannot be redeemed during a purchase transaction at the retail enterprise. 12. The server of claim 11 further comprising a fraudulent coupon module including a fraudulent coupon acquisition sub-module to acquire fraudulent coupon information from a source of fraudulent coupon information, a fraudulent coupon file creation sub-module to create the fraudulent coupon data from the fraudulent coupon information and to store the fraudulent coupon data file in the first database. 13. The server of claim 12 wherein the fraudulent coupon file creation sub-module to create the fraudulent coupon data having a predefined format. 14. The server of claim 12 wherein the fraudulent coupon file creation sub-module to create the fraudulent coupon data to include for each fraudulent coupon a status flag, product identification information, and product discount information, the status flag having a first state indicating that the fraudulent coupon is approved for redemption and a second state indicating that the fraudulent coupon is not approved for redemption. 15. The server of claim 11 wherein the fraudulent coupon data includes a status flag for each fraudulent coupon stored in the first database,
and wherein the virtual coupon management module to compare the received or stored virtual coupon only to fraudulent coupon data of fraudulent coupons in the first database having a status flag set to a predefined state. 16. A computer implemented method for processing a received virtual coupon to determine whether it is fraudulent, the method comprising:
storing with a processor in a first database fraudulent coupon data of one or more fraudulent coupons, storing with the processor in a second database a virtual coupon repository, the virtual coupon repository configured to store therein virtual coupons for a specified customer of a retail enterprise, receiving from the specified customer, under control of the processor and via communication circuitry coupled to the processor, at least one communication signal including a virtual coupon and a request to store the received virtual coupon in the virtual coupon repository, and with the processor, one of
(i) comparing the received virtual coupon to the fraudulent coupon data stored in the first database, declining to store the received virtual coupon in the virtual coupon repository if the received virtual coupon matches the fraudulent coupon data of any of the one or more fraudulent coupons stored in the first database and otherwise storing the received virtual coupon in the virtual coupon repository, and
(ii) storing the received virtual coupon in the virtual coupon repository, thereafter comparing the stored virtual coupon to the fraudulent coupon data stored in the first database and, if the received virtual coupon matches the fraudulent coupon data of any of the one or more fraudulent coupons stored in the first database, one of deleting the stored virtual coupon from the virtual coupon repository and disabling redemption of the stored virtual coupon such that the stored virtual coupon cannot be redeemed during a purchase transaction at the retail enterprise. 17. The method of claim 16 further comprising controlling, with the processor when step (i) is executed, a display device to display a message informing that the received virtual coupon was not stored in the virtual coupon repository if the received virtual coupon matches the fraudulent coupon data of any of the one or more fraudulent coupons stored in the first database. 18. The method of claim 16 further comprising controlling, with the processor when step (ii) is executed, a display device to display a message that one of
(a) informs that the stored virtual coupon has been deleted from the virtual coupon repository if the received virtual coupon matches the fraudulent coupon data of any of the one or more fraudulent coupons stored in the first database and the stored virtual coupon was deleted from the virtual coupon repository, and
(b) informs that redemption of the stored virtual coupon has been disabled if the received virtual coupon matches the fraudulent coupon data of any of the one or more fraudulent coupons stored in the first database and redemption of the stored virtual coupon has been disabled. 19. The method of claim 16 further comprising storing with the processor in the second database a plurality of virtual coupon repositories each configured to store therein virtual coupons for a different one of a plurality of customers of the retail enterprise,
wherein the request to store the received virtual coupon included the at least one communication signal includes a request to store the received virtual coupon in the one of the plurality of virtual coupon repositories associated with the specified customer,
and wherein step (i) further comprises declining to store the received virtual coupon in the one of the plurality of virtual coupon repositories associated with the specified customer if the received virtual coupon matches the fraudulent coupon data of any of the one or more fraudulent coupons stored in the first database and to otherwise store the received virtual coupon in the one of the plurality of virtual coupon repositories associated with the specified customer. 20. The system of claim 16 further comprising storing with the processor in the second database a plurality of virtual coupon repositories each configured to store therein virtual coupons for a different one of a plurality of customers of the retail enterprise,
wherein the request to store the received virtual coupon included the at least one communication signal includes a request to store the received virtual coupon in the one of the plurality of virtual coupon repositories associated with the specified customer,
and wherein step (ii) further comprises storing the received virtual coupon in the one of the plurality of virtual coupon repositories associated with the specified customer and, if the received virtual coupon matches the fraudulent coupon data of any of the one or more fraudulent coupons stored in the first database, to one of delete the stored virtual coupon from the one of the plurality of virtual coupon repositories associated with the customer and disable redemption of the stored virtual coupon such that the stored virtual coupon cannot be redeemed during a purchase transaction at the retail enterprise. | A system for processing a received virtual coupon to determine whether it is fraudulent includes a database having stored therein fraudulent coupon data for one or more fraudulent coupons, and a database containing a virtual repository for storing virtual coupons of a specified customer of a retail enterprise. A processor is operable to receive a virtual coupon from the specified customer and then decline to store it in the virtual repository or delete or disable it after storing if the received virtual coupon is determined to be fraudulent by comparing it to the fraudulent coupon data.1. A system for processing a received virtual coupon to determine whether it is fraudulent, the system comprising:
a first database having stored therein fraudulent coupon data of one or more fraudulent coupons, a second database having stored therein a virtual coupon repository, the virtual coupon repository configured to store therein virtual coupons for a specified customer of a retail enterprise, a processor coupled to the first and second databases, communication circuitry coupled to the processor, and a memory having instructions stored therein which, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to receive from the specified customer, via the communication circuitry, at least one communication signal including a virtual coupon and a request to store the received virtual coupon in the virtual coupon repository and to one of
(i) compare the received virtual coupon to the fraudulent coupon data stored in the first database, decline to store the received virtual coupon in the virtual coupon repository if the received virtual coupon matches the fraudulent coupon data of any of the one or more fraudulent coupons stored in the first database and otherwise store the received virtual coupon in the virtual coupon repository, and
(ii) store the received virtual coupon in the virtual coupon repository, thereafter compare the stored virtual coupon to the fraudulent coupon data stored in the first database and, if the received virtual coupon matches the fraudulent coupon data of any of the one or more fraudulent coupons stored in the first database, one of delete the stored virtual coupon from the virtual coupon repository and disable redemption of the stored virtual coupon such that the stored virtual coupon cannot be redeemed during a purchase transaction at the retail enterprise. 2. The system of claim 1 wherein the first and second databases are part of a single database. 3. The system of claim 1 wherein the first database is separate from the second database. 4. The system of claim 1 wherein the fraudulent coupon data includes a status flag for each of the one or more fraudulent coupons stored in the first database,
and wherein the instructions stored in the memory further include instructions which, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to compare the received or stored virtual coupon only to fraudulent coupon data of fraudulent coupons in the first database having a status flag set to a predefined state. 5. The system of claim 1 further comprising recording information about the received or stored virtual coupon in at least one of the first database, the second database, the memory and a data storage device separate from the first database, the second database and the memory if the received or stored virtual coupon matches the fraudulent coupon data of any of the one or more fraudulent coupons stored in the first database 6. The system of claim 1 further comprising a display communicatively coupled to the processor,
and wherein the instructions stored in the memory further include instructions which, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to control the display, when element (i) is executed by the processor, to display a message informing that the received virtual coupon was not stored in the virtual coupon repository if the received virtual coupon matches the fraudulent coupon data of any of the one or more fraudulent coupons stored in the first database. 7. The system of claim 1 further comprising a display communicatively coupled to the processor,
and wherein the instructions stored in the memory further include instructions which, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to control the display, when element (ii) is executed by the processor, to display a message informing that the stored virtual coupon has been deleted from the virtual coupon repository if the received virtual coupon matches the fraudulent coupon data of any of the one or more fraudulent coupons stored in the first database and the stored virtual coupon was deleted from the virtual coupon repository. 8. The system of claim 1 further comprising a display communicatively coupled to the processor,
and wherein the instructions stored in the memory further include instructions which, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to control the display, when element (ii) is executed by the processor, to display a message informing that redemption of the stored virtual coupon has been disabled if the received virtual coupon matches the fraudulent coupon data of any of the one or more fraudulent coupons stored in the first database and redemption of the stored virtual coupon has been disabled. 9. The system of claim 1 wherein the second database has stored therein a plurality of virtual coupon repositories each configured to store therein virtual coupons for a different one of a plurality of customers of the retail enterprise,
and wherein the request to store the received virtual coupon included the at least one communication signal includes a request to store the received virtual coupon in the one of the plurality of virtual coupon repositories associated with the specified customer,
and wherein the instructions stored in the memory further include instructions which, when element (i) is executed by the processor, cause the processor to decline to store the received virtual coupon in the one of the plurality of virtual coupon repositories associated with the specified customer if the received virtual coupon matches the fraudulent coupon data of any of the one or more fraudulent coupons stored in the first database and to otherwise store the received virtual coupon in the one of the plurality of virtual coupon repositories associated with the specified customer. 10. The system of claim 1 wherein the second database has stored therein a plurality of virtual coupon repositories each configured to store therein virtual coupons for a different one of a plurality of customers of the retail enterprise,
and wherein the request to store the received virtual coupon included the at least one communication signal includes a request to store the received virtual coupon in the one of the plurality of virtual coupon repositories associated with the specified customer,
and wherein the instructions stored in the memory further include instructions which, when element (ii) is executed by the processor, cause the processor to store the received virtual coupon in the one of the plurality of virtual coupon repositories associated with the specified customer and, if the received virtual coupon matches the fraudulent coupon data of any of the one or more fraudulent coupons stored in the first database, to one of delete the stored virtual coupon from the one of the plurality of virtual coupon repositories associated with the customer and disable redemption of the stored virtual coupon such that the stored virtual coupon cannot be redeemed during a purchase transaction at the retail enterprise. 11. A retail enterprise server for processing a received virtual coupon to determine whether it is fraudulent, the server comprising:
a first database having stored therein fraudulent coupon data of one or more fraudulent coupons, a second database having stored therein a virtual coupon repository, the virtual coupon repository configured to store therein virtual coupons for a specified customer of a retail enterprise, communication circuitry, and a virtual coupon management module to receive from the specified customer, via the communication circuitry, at least one communication signal including a virtual coupon and a request to store the received virtual coupon in the virtual coupon repository and to one of
(i) compare the received virtual coupon to the fraudulent coupon data stored in the first database, decline to store the received virtual coupon in the virtual coupon repository if the received virtual coupon matches the fraudulent coupon data of any of the one or more fraudulent coupons stored in the first database and otherwise store the received virtual coupon in the virtual coupon repository, and
(ii) store the received virtual coupon in the virtual coupon repository, thereafter compare the stored virtual coupon to the fraudulent coupon data stored in the first database and, if the received virtual coupon matches the fraudulent coupon data of any of the one or more fraudulent coupons stored in the first database, one of delete the stored virtual coupon from the virtual coupon repository and disable redemption of the stored virtual coupon such that the stored virtual coupon cannot be redeemed during a purchase transaction at the retail enterprise. 12. The server of claim 11 further comprising a fraudulent coupon module including a fraudulent coupon acquisition sub-module to acquire fraudulent coupon information from a source of fraudulent coupon information, a fraudulent coupon file creation sub-module to create the fraudulent coupon data from the fraudulent coupon information and to store the fraudulent coupon data file in the first database. 13. The server of claim 12 wherein the fraudulent coupon file creation sub-module to create the fraudulent coupon data having a predefined format. 14. The server of claim 12 wherein the fraudulent coupon file creation sub-module to create the fraudulent coupon data to include for each fraudulent coupon a status flag, product identification information, and product discount information, the status flag having a first state indicating that the fraudulent coupon is approved for redemption and a second state indicating that the fraudulent coupon is not approved for redemption. 15. The server of claim 11 wherein the fraudulent coupon data includes a status flag for each fraudulent coupon stored in the first database,
and wherein the virtual coupon management module to compare the received or stored virtual coupon only to fraudulent coupon data of fraudulent coupons in the first database having a status flag set to a predefined state. 16. A computer implemented method for processing a received virtual coupon to determine whether it is fraudulent, the method comprising:
storing with a processor in a first database fraudulent coupon data of one or more fraudulent coupons, storing with the processor in a second database a virtual coupon repository, the virtual coupon repository configured to store therein virtual coupons for a specified customer of a retail enterprise, receiving from the specified customer, under control of the processor and via communication circuitry coupled to the processor, at least one communication signal including a virtual coupon and a request to store the received virtual coupon in the virtual coupon repository, and with the processor, one of
(i) comparing the received virtual coupon to the fraudulent coupon data stored in the first database, declining to store the received virtual coupon in the virtual coupon repository if the received virtual coupon matches the fraudulent coupon data of any of the one or more fraudulent coupons stored in the first database and otherwise storing the received virtual coupon in the virtual coupon repository, and
(ii) storing the received virtual coupon in the virtual coupon repository, thereafter comparing the stored virtual coupon to the fraudulent coupon data stored in the first database and, if the received virtual coupon matches the fraudulent coupon data of any of the one or more fraudulent coupons stored in the first database, one of deleting the stored virtual coupon from the virtual coupon repository and disabling redemption of the stored virtual coupon such that the stored virtual coupon cannot be redeemed during a purchase transaction at the retail enterprise. 17. The method of claim 16 further comprising controlling, with the processor when step (i) is executed, a display device to display a message informing that the received virtual coupon was not stored in the virtual coupon repository if the received virtual coupon matches the fraudulent coupon data of any of the one or more fraudulent coupons stored in the first database. 18. The method of claim 16 further comprising controlling, with the processor when step (ii) is executed, a display device to display a message that one of
(a) informs that the stored virtual coupon has been deleted from the virtual coupon repository if the received virtual coupon matches the fraudulent coupon data of any of the one or more fraudulent coupons stored in the first database and the stored virtual coupon was deleted from the virtual coupon repository, and
(b) informs that redemption of the stored virtual coupon has been disabled if the received virtual coupon matches the fraudulent coupon data of any of the one or more fraudulent coupons stored in the first database and redemption of the stored virtual coupon has been disabled. 19. The method of claim 16 further comprising storing with the processor in the second database a plurality of virtual coupon repositories each configured to store therein virtual coupons for a different one of a plurality of customers of the retail enterprise,
wherein the request to store the received virtual coupon included the at least one communication signal includes a request to store the received virtual coupon in the one of the plurality of virtual coupon repositories associated with the specified customer,
and wherein step (i) further comprises declining to store the received virtual coupon in the one of the plurality of virtual coupon repositories associated with the specified customer if the received virtual coupon matches the fraudulent coupon data of any of the one or more fraudulent coupons stored in the first database and to otherwise store the received virtual coupon in the one of the plurality of virtual coupon repositories associated with the specified customer. 20. The system of claim 16 further comprising storing with the processor in the second database a plurality of virtual coupon repositories each configured to store therein virtual coupons for a different one of a plurality of customers of the retail enterprise,
wherein the request to store the received virtual coupon included the at least one communication signal includes a request to store the received virtual coupon in the one of the plurality of virtual coupon repositories associated with the specified customer,
and wherein step (ii) further comprises storing the received virtual coupon in the one of the plurality of virtual coupon repositories associated with the specified customer and, if the received virtual coupon matches the fraudulent coupon data of any of the one or more fraudulent coupons stored in the first database, to one of delete the stored virtual coupon from the one of the plurality of virtual coupon repositories associated with the customer and disable redemption of the stored virtual coupon such that the stored virtual coupon cannot be redeemed during a purchase transaction at the retail enterprise. | 3,600 |
12,744 | 12,744 | 13,470,067 | 3,621 | Offer entries are received from merchant computer systems and stored in association with respective merchant account. Transaction data of consumers is received from a network computer system and profile are built utilizing the transaction data. A consumer is then targeted by transmitting a selected one of the offer entries to a consumer device based at on the profile. | 1. A server computer system for managing electronic transactions, comprising:
a processor; a computer-readable medium connected to the processor; a network interface device connected to the processor; and a set of instructions on the computer-readable medium, the set of instructions being executable by the processor and including:
a data store;
a plurality of merchant accounts stored in the data store, each merchant account having a merchant account identifier;
a merchant account management system receiving an offer entry over the network interface device from each of a plurality of merchant computer systems, the merchant offer being stored in the data store in association with the merchant account having the respective merchant account identifier;
a transaction data retrieval module retrieving transaction data from a network computer system;
a profile building module building at least one profile from the transaction data; and
an offer push module transmitting a selected one of the offer entries to a consumer device, wherein the offer entry that is transmitted is based at least in part on the profile. 2. The computer system of claim 1 the instructions further comprising:
a plurality of consumer accounts stored in the data store, each consumer account having a respective consumer account identifier. 3. The computer system of claim 2, the instructions further comprising:
a consumer account identifier push module transmitting the consumer account identifier of the consumer account via a network interface device to a network computer system, the transaction data that is received from the network computer system including the consumer account identifier and being received due to transmission of the consumer account identifier via a network interface device to the network computer system. 4. The computer system of claim 3, wherein the transaction data retrieval module is an account-specific transaction data retrieval module, further comprising:
a mapping module storing the transaction details in the consumer account having the consumer account identifier at the server computer system, the profile building module being a consumer profile building module and the profile being a consumer profile for the consumer account and being fed into a target profile attribute system and the offer being based on the target profile attribute system. 5. The computer system of claim 4, further comprising:
a consumer account setup module receiving preferences and details from a consumer computer system and storing the preferences and details in the consumer account having the consumer account identifier; and a consumer account profile building module building a consumer profile utilizing the consumer transaction data and the preferences and details, the consumer profile being fed into the target profile attribute system. 6. The computer system of claim 4, the instructions further comprising:
a bulk transaction data retrieval module receiving bulk transaction data from the network computer system that is not associated with any consumer account identifier transmitted from the server computer system to the data provider computer system; and a bulk profile building module building a bulk profile utilizing the bulk transaction data, the bulk profile being fed into the target profile attribute system. 7. The computer system of claim 3, the instructions further comprising:
a registration detection module detecting registration of a consumer account identifier of a consumer account for transmission to the network computer system. 8. The computer system of claim 7, the instructions further comprising:
deregistration detection module detecting deregistration of a consumer account identifier of a consumer account, the consumer account identifier push module transmitting the consumer account identifier that has been deregistered via a network interface device to a network computer system. 9. The computer system of claim 1 transaction data of consumers stored in the data store;
a campaign management system transmitting at least a representation of the transaction data over the network interface device to the merchant computer system, receiving a bid from each of a plurality of the merchant computer system for the transaction data, comparing the bids, and associating an activation level of at least one of the offer entries based on the comparison of the bids; and
an offer push module transmitting the offer entry over the network interface device to at least one consumer device based, the transmission of the offer entry being dependent on the activation level of the offer entry. 10. The computer system of claim 9, wherein the a campaign management system receives filter attributes from the merchant computer system, and selects a subset of the transaction data based on the filter attributes for display at the merchant computer system. 11. The computer system of claim 9, wherein the offer entry is a voucher entry having a discount amount associated therewith, the instructions further comprising:
a transaction clearing system that receives a call over the network interface device from a network computer system, the call including a merchant account identifier; and a voucher redemption system matching the merchant account identifier in the call to one of the merchant account identifiers associated with the respective merchant accounts to identify a selected one of the offer entries associated with the merchant account having the respective merchant account identifier for transmission to the consumer device. 12. The computer system of claim 1, wherein the offer entry is a voucher entry having a discount amount associated therewith, the instructions further comprising:
a transaction clearing system that receives a discount checking call over the network interface device from a network computer system, the discount checking call including a merchant account identifier and being received due to transmission of the second consumer account identifier, the discount checking call including a merchant account identifier and being received due to transmission of the consumer account identifier via a network interface device; and a voucher redemption system matching the merchant account identifier in the discount checking call to one of the merchant account identifiers associated with the respective merchant accounts to identify a selected one of the voucher entries associated with the merchant account having the respective merchant account identifier, and determining a discount amount of the voucher entry, the transaction clearing system transmitting a response over the network interface device to the network computer system, the response being in response to the call and including the discount amount. 13. A computer-based method of managing electronic transactions comprising:
storing, with a processor, a plurality of merchant accounts in a data store, each merchant account having a respective merchant account identifier; receiving, with the processor, an offer entry over the network interface device from each of a plurality of merchant computer systems; storing, with the processor, the offer entry in the data store in association with the merchant account having the respective merchant account identifier; receiving, with the processor, transaction data from a network computer system; building, with the processor, a profile utilizing the transaction data; and transmitting, with the processor, a selected one of the offer entries to a consumer device, wherein the offer entry that is transmitted is based at least in part on the profile. 14. The method of claim 13, further comprising:
storing, with a processor of a server computer system, a plurality of consumer accounts in a data store, each consumer account having a respective consumer account identifier. 15. The method of claim 14, further comprising:
transmitting, with the processor, the consumer account identifier of the consumer account via a network interface device to a network computer system, the transaction data that is received from the network computer system being consumer transaction data including the consumer account identifier and being received due to transmission of the consumer account identifier via a network interface device to the network computer system. 16. The method of claim 15, wherein the transaction data is consumer transaction data stored in the consumer account having the consumer account identifier at the server computer system, the profile being a consumer profile for the consumer account and being fed into a target profile attribute system and the offer being based on the target profile attribute system. 17. The method of claim 16, further comprising:
receiving, with the processor, preferences and details from a consumer computer system; storing, with the processor, the preferences and details in the consumer account having the consumer account identifier; and building, with the processor, a consumer profile utilizing the consumer transaction data and the preferences and details, the consumer profile being fed into the target profile attribute system. 18. The method of claim 16, further comprising:
receiving, with the processor, bulk transaction data from the network computer system that is not associated with any consumer account identifier transmitted from the server computer system to the data provider computer system; and building, with the processor, a bulk profile utilizing the bulk transaction data, the bulk transaction data being fed into the target profile attribute system. 19. The method of claim 15, further comprising:
detecting, with the processor, registration of a consumer account identifier of a consumer account for transmission to the network computer system. 20. The method of claim 19, further comprising:
detecting, with the processor, deregistration of a consumer account identifier of a consumer account; and transmitting, with the processor, the consumer account identifier that has been deregistered via a network interface device to a network computer system. 21. The method of claim 13, further comprising:
storing, with the processor, transaction data of consumers in the data store; transmitting, with the processor, at least a representation of the transaction data over the network interface device to the merchant computer system; receiving, with the processor, a bid from each of a plurality of the merchant computer system for the transaction data; comparing, with the processor, the bids; associating, with the processor, an activation level of at least one of the offer entries based on the comparison of the bids; and transmitting, with the processor, the offer entry over the network interface device to at least one consumer device based, the transmission of the offer entry being dependent on the activation level of the offer entry. 22. The method of claim 21, further comprising:
receiving, with the processor, filter attributes from the merchant computer system; and selecting a subset of the transaction data based on the filter attributes for display at the merchant computer system. 23. The method of claim 21, wherein the offer entry is a voucher entry having a discount amount associated therewith, further comprising:
receiving, with the processor, call over the network interface device from a network computer system, the discount checking call including a merchant account identifier; and matching, with the processor, the merchant account identifier in the call to one of the merchant account identifiers associated with the respective merchant accounts to identify a selected one of the offer entries associated with the merchant account having the respective merchant account identifier for transmission to the consumer device. 24. The method of claim 13, wherein the offer entry is a voucher entry having a discount amount associated therewith, further comprising:
receiving, with the processor, a discount checking call over the network interface device from a network computer system, the discount checking call including a merchant account identifier and being received due to transmission of the consumer account identifier via a network interface device; matching, with the processor, the merchant account identifier in the discount checking call to one of the merchant account identifiers associated with the respective merchant accounts to identify a selected one of the voucher entries associated with the merchant account having the respective merchant account identifier; determining, with the processor, a discount amount of the voucher entry; and transmitting, with the processor, a response over the network interface device to the network computer system, the response being in response to the call and including the discount amount. 25. A first network computer system for managing electronic transactions, comprising:
a processor; a computer-readable medium connected to the processor; a network interface device connected to the processor; and a set of instructions on the computer-readable medium, the set of instructions being executable by the processor and including:
a receiving module receiving a consumer account identifier via a network interface device from a server computer system;
a transaction details data store;
a transaction receiving and confirmation module receiving, via the network interface device, a charge request that includes a charge amount and a consumer account identifier, and storing the charge request in the transaction details data store;
a transaction identifier module identifying transactions in the transaction details data store matching the consumer account identifier received from the server computer system; and
a consumer transaction data push module transmitting the transactions matching the consumer account identifier received from the server computer system to the server computer system. 26. The computer system of claim 25, a list of consumer account identifiers;
a list update module storing the consumer account identifier received via the network interface device in the list of consumer account identifiers. 27. The computer system of claim 25, the instructions further comprising:
a list checking module that checks checking whether the consumer account identifier in the charge request matches any one of the consumer account identifiers in the list; a decision module operating either in a standard mode if the consumer account identifier in the charge request is not active in the list or a checking mode if the consumer account identifier in the charge request is active in the list, wherein when in the standard mode the processor processes the charge amount without reducing the charge amount by a discount amount, a discount checking module transmitting, when in the discount checking mode, a discount checking call over the network interface device to a server computer system, the discount checking call including a consumer account identifier that is the same as the consumer account identifier in the charge request, the discount checking call being transmitted only if the consumer account identifier in the charge request matches one of the consumer account identifiers in the list; a discount receiving module receiving, when in the discount checking mode, a response over the network interface device from the server computer system, the response being in response to the call and including a discount amount; a charge calculation module calculating, when in the discount checking mode, a discounted charge amount based on the charge amount reduced by the discount amount; and a charge processing module processing the charge amount without reducing the charge amount by a discount amount when in the standard mode, or processing the discounted charge amount when in the discount checking mode. 28. A computer-based method of managing electronic transactions, comprising:
receiving, with a processor of a network computer system and via a network interface device of the network computer system, a consumer account identifier from a server computer system; receiving, with the processor and via the network interface device, a charge request that includes a charge amount and a consumer account identifier; storing, with the processor, the charge request in the transaction details data store; identifying, with the processor, transactions in the transaction details data store matching the consumer account identifier received from the server computer system; and transmitting, with the processor, the transactions matching the consumer account identifier received from the server computer system via the network interface device to the server computer system. 29. The method of claim 28, further comprising:
storing, with the processor, the consumer account identifier received via the network interface device in a list of consumer account identifiers. | Offer entries are received from merchant computer systems and stored in association with respective merchant account. Transaction data of consumers is received from a network computer system and profile are built utilizing the transaction data. A consumer is then targeted by transmitting a selected one of the offer entries to a consumer device based at on the profile.1. A server computer system for managing electronic transactions, comprising:
a processor; a computer-readable medium connected to the processor; a network interface device connected to the processor; and a set of instructions on the computer-readable medium, the set of instructions being executable by the processor and including:
a data store;
a plurality of merchant accounts stored in the data store, each merchant account having a merchant account identifier;
a merchant account management system receiving an offer entry over the network interface device from each of a plurality of merchant computer systems, the merchant offer being stored in the data store in association with the merchant account having the respective merchant account identifier;
a transaction data retrieval module retrieving transaction data from a network computer system;
a profile building module building at least one profile from the transaction data; and
an offer push module transmitting a selected one of the offer entries to a consumer device, wherein the offer entry that is transmitted is based at least in part on the profile. 2. The computer system of claim 1 the instructions further comprising:
a plurality of consumer accounts stored in the data store, each consumer account having a respective consumer account identifier. 3. The computer system of claim 2, the instructions further comprising:
a consumer account identifier push module transmitting the consumer account identifier of the consumer account via a network interface device to a network computer system, the transaction data that is received from the network computer system including the consumer account identifier and being received due to transmission of the consumer account identifier via a network interface device to the network computer system. 4. The computer system of claim 3, wherein the transaction data retrieval module is an account-specific transaction data retrieval module, further comprising:
a mapping module storing the transaction details in the consumer account having the consumer account identifier at the server computer system, the profile building module being a consumer profile building module and the profile being a consumer profile for the consumer account and being fed into a target profile attribute system and the offer being based on the target profile attribute system. 5. The computer system of claim 4, further comprising:
a consumer account setup module receiving preferences and details from a consumer computer system and storing the preferences and details in the consumer account having the consumer account identifier; and a consumer account profile building module building a consumer profile utilizing the consumer transaction data and the preferences and details, the consumer profile being fed into the target profile attribute system. 6. The computer system of claim 4, the instructions further comprising:
a bulk transaction data retrieval module receiving bulk transaction data from the network computer system that is not associated with any consumer account identifier transmitted from the server computer system to the data provider computer system; and a bulk profile building module building a bulk profile utilizing the bulk transaction data, the bulk profile being fed into the target profile attribute system. 7. The computer system of claim 3, the instructions further comprising:
a registration detection module detecting registration of a consumer account identifier of a consumer account for transmission to the network computer system. 8. The computer system of claim 7, the instructions further comprising:
deregistration detection module detecting deregistration of a consumer account identifier of a consumer account, the consumer account identifier push module transmitting the consumer account identifier that has been deregistered via a network interface device to a network computer system. 9. The computer system of claim 1 transaction data of consumers stored in the data store;
a campaign management system transmitting at least a representation of the transaction data over the network interface device to the merchant computer system, receiving a bid from each of a plurality of the merchant computer system for the transaction data, comparing the bids, and associating an activation level of at least one of the offer entries based on the comparison of the bids; and
an offer push module transmitting the offer entry over the network interface device to at least one consumer device based, the transmission of the offer entry being dependent on the activation level of the offer entry. 10. The computer system of claim 9, wherein the a campaign management system receives filter attributes from the merchant computer system, and selects a subset of the transaction data based on the filter attributes for display at the merchant computer system. 11. The computer system of claim 9, wherein the offer entry is a voucher entry having a discount amount associated therewith, the instructions further comprising:
a transaction clearing system that receives a call over the network interface device from a network computer system, the call including a merchant account identifier; and a voucher redemption system matching the merchant account identifier in the call to one of the merchant account identifiers associated with the respective merchant accounts to identify a selected one of the offer entries associated with the merchant account having the respective merchant account identifier for transmission to the consumer device. 12. The computer system of claim 1, wherein the offer entry is a voucher entry having a discount amount associated therewith, the instructions further comprising:
a transaction clearing system that receives a discount checking call over the network interface device from a network computer system, the discount checking call including a merchant account identifier and being received due to transmission of the second consumer account identifier, the discount checking call including a merchant account identifier and being received due to transmission of the consumer account identifier via a network interface device; and a voucher redemption system matching the merchant account identifier in the discount checking call to one of the merchant account identifiers associated with the respective merchant accounts to identify a selected one of the voucher entries associated with the merchant account having the respective merchant account identifier, and determining a discount amount of the voucher entry, the transaction clearing system transmitting a response over the network interface device to the network computer system, the response being in response to the call and including the discount amount. 13. A computer-based method of managing electronic transactions comprising:
storing, with a processor, a plurality of merchant accounts in a data store, each merchant account having a respective merchant account identifier; receiving, with the processor, an offer entry over the network interface device from each of a plurality of merchant computer systems; storing, with the processor, the offer entry in the data store in association with the merchant account having the respective merchant account identifier; receiving, with the processor, transaction data from a network computer system; building, with the processor, a profile utilizing the transaction data; and transmitting, with the processor, a selected one of the offer entries to a consumer device, wherein the offer entry that is transmitted is based at least in part on the profile. 14. The method of claim 13, further comprising:
storing, with a processor of a server computer system, a plurality of consumer accounts in a data store, each consumer account having a respective consumer account identifier. 15. The method of claim 14, further comprising:
transmitting, with the processor, the consumer account identifier of the consumer account via a network interface device to a network computer system, the transaction data that is received from the network computer system being consumer transaction data including the consumer account identifier and being received due to transmission of the consumer account identifier via a network interface device to the network computer system. 16. The method of claim 15, wherein the transaction data is consumer transaction data stored in the consumer account having the consumer account identifier at the server computer system, the profile being a consumer profile for the consumer account and being fed into a target profile attribute system and the offer being based on the target profile attribute system. 17. The method of claim 16, further comprising:
receiving, with the processor, preferences and details from a consumer computer system; storing, with the processor, the preferences and details in the consumer account having the consumer account identifier; and building, with the processor, a consumer profile utilizing the consumer transaction data and the preferences and details, the consumer profile being fed into the target profile attribute system. 18. The method of claim 16, further comprising:
receiving, with the processor, bulk transaction data from the network computer system that is not associated with any consumer account identifier transmitted from the server computer system to the data provider computer system; and building, with the processor, a bulk profile utilizing the bulk transaction data, the bulk transaction data being fed into the target profile attribute system. 19. The method of claim 15, further comprising:
detecting, with the processor, registration of a consumer account identifier of a consumer account for transmission to the network computer system. 20. The method of claim 19, further comprising:
detecting, with the processor, deregistration of a consumer account identifier of a consumer account; and transmitting, with the processor, the consumer account identifier that has been deregistered via a network interface device to a network computer system. 21. The method of claim 13, further comprising:
storing, with the processor, transaction data of consumers in the data store; transmitting, with the processor, at least a representation of the transaction data over the network interface device to the merchant computer system; receiving, with the processor, a bid from each of a plurality of the merchant computer system for the transaction data; comparing, with the processor, the bids; associating, with the processor, an activation level of at least one of the offer entries based on the comparison of the bids; and transmitting, with the processor, the offer entry over the network interface device to at least one consumer device based, the transmission of the offer entry being dependent on the activation level of the offer entry. 22. The method of claim 21, further comprising:
receiving, with the processor, filter attributes from the merchant computer system; and selecting a subset of the transaction data based on the filter attributes for display at the merchant computer system. 23. The method of claim 21, wherein the offer entry is a voucher entry having a discount amount associated therewith, further comprising:
receiving, with the processor, call over the network interface device from a network computer system, the discount checking call including a merchant account identifier; and matching, with the processor, the merchant account identifier in the call to one of the merchant account identifiers associated with the respective merchant accounts to identify a selected one of the offer entries associated with the merchant account having the respective merchant account identifier for transmission to the consumer device. 24. The method of claim 13, wherein the offer entry is a voucher entry having a discount amount associated therewith, further comprising:
receiving, with the processor, a discount checking call over the network interface device from a network computer system, the discount checking call including a merchant account identifier and being received due to transmission of the consumer account identifier via a network interface device; matching, with the processor, the merchant account identifier in the discount checking call to one of the merchant account identifiers associated with the respective merchant accounts to identify a selected one of the voucher entries associated with the merchant account having the respective merchant account identifier; determining, with the processor, a discount amount of the voucher entry; and transmitting, with the processor, a response over the network interface device to the network computer system, the response being in response to the call and including the discount amount. 25. A first network computer system for managing electronic transactions, comprising:
a processor; a computer-readable medium connected to the processor; a network interface device connected to the processor; and a set of instructions on the computer-readable medium, the set of instructions being executable by the processor and including:
a receiving module receiving a consumer account identifier via a network interface device from a server computer system;
a transaction details data store;
a transaction receiving and confirmation module receiving, via the network interface device, a charge request that includes a charge amount and a consumer account identifier, and storing the charge request in the transaction details data store;
a transaction identifier module identifying transactions in the transaction details data store matching the consumer account identifier received from the server computer system; and
a consumer transaction data push module transmitting the transactions matching the consumer account identifier received from the server computer system to the server computer system. 26. The computer system of claim 25, a list of consumer account identifiers;
a list update module storing the consumer account identifier received via the network interface device in the list of consumer account identifiers. 27. The computer system of claim 25, the instructions further comprising:
a list checking module that checks checking whether the consumer account identifier in the charge request matches any one of the consumer account identifiers in the list; a decision module operating either in a standard mode if the consumer account identifier in the charge request is not active in the list or a checking mode if the consumer account identifier in the charge request is active in the list, wherein when in the standard mode the processor processes the charge amount without reducing the charge amount by a discount amount, a discount checking module transmitting, when in the discount checking mode, a discount checking call over the network interface device to a server computer system, the discount checking call including a consumer account identifier that is the same as the consumer account identifier in the charge request, the discount checking call being transmitted only if the consumer account identifier in the charge request matches one of the consumer account identifiers in the list; a discount receiving module receiving, when in the discount checking mode, a response over the network interface device from the server computer system, the response being in response to the call and including a discount amount; a charge calculation module calculating, when in the discount checking mode, a discounted charge amount based on the charge amount reduced by the discount amount; and a charge processing module processing the charge amount without reducing the charge amount by a discount amount when in the standard mode, or processing the discounted charge amount when in the discount checking mode. 28. A computer-based method of managing electronic transactions, comprising:
receiving, with a processor of a network computer system and via a network interface device of the network computer system, a consumer account identifier from a server computer system; receiving, with the processor and via the network interface device, a charge request that includes a charge amount and a consumer account identifier; storing, with the processor, the charge request in the transaction details data store; identifying, with the processor, transactions in the transaction details data store matching the consumer account identifier received from the server computer system; and transmitting, with the processor, the transactions matching the consumer account identifier received from the server computer system via the network interface device to the server computer system. 29. The method of claim 28, further comprising:
storing, with the processor, the consumer account identifier received via the network interface device in a list of consumer account identifiers. | 3,600 |
12,745 | 12,745 | 13,959,458 | 3,695 | A computer-implemented method for providing an insurance rate associated with a particular location may include: storing insurance-related data associated with each of a plurality of geographic areas, determining a particular geographic area corresponding with the particular location, retrieving from storage insurance-related data associated with a subset of the geographic areas, calculating a credibility factor based on the quantity of the retrieved insurance-related data, determining that the credibility factor is below a target credibility threshold, and, in response to determining that the credibility factor is below the target credibility threshold, increasing the subset of geographic areas, retrieving from storage insurance-related data for the increased subset of geographic areas, calculating an updated credibility factor that meets or exceeds the target credibility threshold, calculating an insurance rate based at least on the retrieved insurance-related data associated with the increased subset of geographic areas, and communicating the calculated insurance rate to a user. | 1-13. (canceled) 14. A method for providing an insurance rate using a programmed computer system including a processor and a non-transitory, tangible computer readable medium communicatively coupled to the processor and storing instructions executable by the processor to per-form the method comprising:
storing, in a database, insurance-related data associated with each of a plurality of geographic areas, the processor calculating an insurance rate associated with a particular location, including:
(a) the processor determining a particular geographic area corresponding with the particular location;
(b) the processor retrieving from the database insurance-related data associated with a subset of the plurality of geographic areas;
(c) the processor calculating a credibility factor based on the quantity of the retrieved insurance-related data associated with the subset of geographic areas;
(d) the processor determining that the credibility factor is below a target credibility threshold;
(e) in response to determining that the credibility factor is below the target credibility threshold, the processor increasing the subset of geographic areas and repeating steps (b) through (d), wherein the credibility factor determined for the increased subset of geographic areas meets or exceeds the target credibility threshold; and
(f) the processor calculating an insurance rate based at least on the retrieved insurance-related data associated with the increased subset of geographic areas; and
the processor communicating the calculated insurance rate to a user. 15. The method of claim 14, wherein the plurality of geographic areas comprise plurality of coordinate grid blocks defined by latitude and longitude values of a coordinate grid system. 16. The method of claim 15, comprising:
receiving a coordinate pair comprising a longitude and a latitude of the particular location; and determining the particular geographic area corresponding with the particular location by determining the geographic area that includes the received coordinate pair of the particular location. 17. The method of claim 14, wherein the plurality of geographic areas are the same size. 18. The method of claim 14, wherein the plurality of geographic areas include geographic areas of different sizes. 19. The method of claim 14, wherein the subset of geographic areas comprises at least the particular geographic area. 20. The method of claim 14, wherein:
the subset of geographic areas comprises a first ring of geographic areas at least partially surrounding the particular geographic area; and the increased subset of geographic areas comprises a second ring of geographic areas at least partially surrounding the first ring of geographic areas. 21. The method of claim 14, wherein the step of increasing the subset of the plurality of geographic areas and repeating steps (b) through (d) is performed one or more times until the credibility factor determined for the increased subset of geographic areas meets or exceeds the target credibility threshold. 22. The method of claim 14, wherein retrieving from the database insurance-related data associated with the subset of geographic areas comprises filtering the insurance-related data stored in the database according to one or more filtering attributes. 23. The method of claim 14, further comprising the processor calculating the insurance rate associated with the particular location in response to receiving an insurance rate query from the user via a user interface regarding the particular location. 24. The method of claim 14, wherein
the first subset of geographic areas corresponds with a first index value; and increasing the subset of geographic areas comprises incrementing the index value and determining an increased subset of geographic areas corresponding to the incremented index value 25. A computer system for providing an insurance rate, the computer system comprising:
a processor communicatively coupled to a user interface; a database communicatively coupled to the processor, the database storing insurance-related data associated with each of a plurality of geographic areas, a non-transitory computer readable memory communicatively coupled to the processor and storing computer instructions executable by the processor to:
(a) determine a particular geographic area corresponding with a particular location;
(b) retrieve from the database insurance-related data associated with a subset of the plurality of geographic areas;
(c) calculate a credibility factor based on the quantity of the retrieved insurance-related data associated with the subset of geographic areas;
(d) determine that the credibility factor is below a target credibility threshold;
(e) in response to determining that the credibility factor is below the target credibility threshold, increase the subset of geographic areas and repeating steps (b) through (d), wherein the credibility factor determined for the increased subset of geographic areas meets or exceeds the target credibility threshold;
(f) calculate an insurance rate based at least on the retrieved insurance-related data associated with the increased subset of geographic areas; and
(g) communicating the calculated insurance rate to a user via the user interface. 26. A computer product comprising computer instructions for providing an insurance rate, the computer instructions stored in non-transitory computer readable media and executable by a processor to:
determine a particular geographic area corresponding with a particular location; access a database storing insurance-related data associated with each of a plurality of geographic areas; retrieve from the database insurance-related data associated with a subset of the plurality of geographic areas; calculate a credibility factor based on the quantity of the retrieved insurance-related data associated with the subset of geographic areas; determine that the credibility factor is below a target credibility threshold; in response to determining that the credibility factor is below the target credibility threshold, increase the subset of geographic areas, retrieve from the database insurance-related data associated with the increased subset of geographic areas, and calculate an updated credibility factor based on the retrieved insurance-related data associated with the increased subset of geographic areas, the updated credibility factor meeting or exceeding the target credibility threshold; calculate an insurance rate based at least on the retrieved insurance-related data associated with the increased subset of geographic areas; and communicate the calculated insurance rate to a user. | A computer-implemented method for providing an insurance rate associated with a particular location may include: storing insurance-related data associated with each of a plurality of geographic areas, determining a particular geographic area corresponding with the particular location, retrieving from storage insurance-related data associated with a subset of the geographic areas, calculating a credibility factor based on the quantity of the retrieved insurance-related data, determining that the credibility factor is below a target credibility threshold, and, in response to determining that the credibility factor is below the target credibility threshold, increasing the subset of geographic areas, retrieving from storage insurance-related data for the increased subset of geographic areas, calculating an updated credibility factor that meets or exceeds the target credibility threshold, calculating an insurance rate based at least on the retrieved insurance-related data associated with the increased subset of geographic areas, and communicating the calculated insurance rate to a user.1-13. (canceled) 14. A method for providing an insurance rate using a programmed computer system including a processor and a non-transitory, tangible computer readable medium communicatively coupled to the processor and storing instructions executable by the processor to per-form the method comprising:
storing, in a database, insurance-related data associated with each of a plurality of geographic areas, the processor calculating an insurance rate associated with a particular location, including:
(a) the processor determining a particular geographic area corresponding with the particular location;
(b) the processor retrieving from the database insurance-related data associated with a subset of the plurality of geographic areas;
(c) the processor calculating a credibility factor based on the quantity of the retrieved insurance-related data associated with the subset of geographic areas;
(d) the processor determining that the credibility factor is below a target credibility threshold;
(e) in response to determining that the credibility factor is below the target credibility threshold, the processor increasing the subset of geographic areas and repeating steps (b) through (d), wherein the credibility factor determined for the increased subset of geographic areas meets or exceeds the target credibility threshold; and
(f) the processor calculating an insurance rate based at least on the retrieved insurance-related data associated with the increased subset of geographic areas; and
the processor communicating the calculated insurance rate to a user. 15. The method of claim 14, wherein the plurality of geographic areas comprise plurality of coordinate grid blocks defined by latitude and longitude values of a coordinate grid system. 16. The method of claim 15, comprising:
receiving a coordinate pair comprising a longitude and a latitude of the particular location; and determining the particular geographic area corresponding with the particular location by determining the geographic area that includes the received coordinate pair of the particular location. 17. The method of claim 14, wherein the plurality of geographic areas are the same size. 18. The method of claim 14, wherein the plurality of geographic areas include geographic areas of different sizes. 19. The method of claim 14, wherein the subset of geographic areas comprises at least the particular geographic area. 20. The method of claim 14, wherein:
the subset of geographic areas comprises a first ring of geographic areas at least partially surrounding the particular geographic area; and the increased subset of geographic areas comprises a second ring of geographic areas at least partially surrounding the first ring of geographic areas. 21. The method of claim 14, wherein the step of increasing the subset of the plurality of geographic areas and repeating steps (b) through (d) is performed one or more times until the credibility factor determined for the increased subset of geographic areas meets or exceeds the target credibility threshold. 22. The method of claim 14, wherein retrieving from the database insurance-related data associated with the subset of geographic areas comprises filtering the insurance-related data stored in the database according to one or more filtering attributes. 23. The method of claim 14, further comprising the processor calculating the insurance rate associated with the particular location in response to receiving an insurance rate query from the user via a user interface regarding the particular location. 24. The method of claim 14, wherein
the first subset of geographic areas corresponds with a first index value; and increasing the subset of geographic areas comprises incrementing the index value and determining an increased subset of geographic areas corresponding to the incremented index value 25. A computer system for providing an insurance rate, the computer system comprising:
a processor communicatively coupled to a user interface; a database communicatively coupled to the processor, the database storing insurance-related data associated with each of a plurality of geographic areas, a non-transitory computer readable memory communicatively coupled to the processor and storing computer instructions executable by the processor to:
(a) determine a particular geographic area corresponding with a particular location;
(b) retrieve from the database insurance-related data associated with a subset of the plurality of geographic areas;
(c) calculate a credibility factor based on the quantity of the retrieved insurance-related data associated with the subset of geographic areas;
(d) determine that the credibility factor is below a target credibility threshold;
(e) in response to determining that the credibility factor is below the target credibility threshold, increase the subset of geographic areas and repeating steps (b) through (d), wherein the credibility factor determined for the increased subset of geographic areas meets or exceeds the target credibility threshold;
(f) calculate an insurance rate based at least on the retrieved insurance-related data associated with the increased subset of geographic areas; and
(g) communicating the calculated insurance rate to a user via the user interface. 26. A computer product comprising computer instructions for providing an insurance rate, the computer instructions stored in non-transitory computer readable media and executable by a processor to:
determine a particular geographic area corresponding with a particular location; access a database storing insurance-related data associated with each of a plurality of geographic areas; retrieve from the database insurance-related data associated with a subset of the plurality of geographic areas; calculate a credibility factor based on the quantity of the retrieved insurance-related data associated with the subset of geographic areas; determine that the credibility factor is below a target credibility threshold; in response to determining that the credibility factor is below the target credibility threshold, increase the subset of geographic areas, retrieve from the database insurance-related data associated with the increased subset of geographic areas, and calculate an updated credibility factor based on the retrieved insurance-related data associated with the increased subset of geographic areas, the updated credibility factor meeting or exceeding the target credibility threshold; calculate an insurance rate based at least on the retrieved insurance-related data associated with the increased subset of geographic areas; and communicate the calculated insurance rate to a user. | 3,600 |
12,746 | 12,746 | 14,300,410 | 3,696 | A computer implemented method, system, and software for calculating and using an intraday indicative value of a leveraged Bullish or Bearish exchange traded fund (“ETF”) for arbitrage purposes, includes calculating an intraday current value of all the equity securities in the ETF (applicable only to Bullish ETFs), calculating mark to market gains or losses of at least one derivative product, and retrieving an accumulated loss or gain of the at least one derivative product and other cash equivalent amounts. The intraday indicative value of the ETF is determined by combining the calculated intraday current value of all the equity securities (applicable only to Bullish ETFs), the accumulated loss or gain, the mark to market gains of the at least one derivative product and other cash equivalent amounts. The determined intraday value of the ETF is used, by a party, for arbitrage purposes. | 1. A computer implemented method of calculating and using an intraday indicative value of a Bullish exchange traded fund (“ETF”) for arbitrage purposes, comprising the steps of:
calculating or having calculated an intraday current value of all the equity securities in the ETF;
calculating, or having calculated, mark to market gains or losses of at least one derivative product;
retrieving, or having retrieved, an accumulated loss or gain of at least one derivative product;
determining, or having determined, the intraday indicative value of the ETF by combining the calculated intraday current value of all the equity securities, the accumulated loss or gain and the mark to market gains of the at least one derivative product; and
using the determined intraday value of the ETF, by a party, for performing an arbitrage transaction, wherein one or more of the above steps are performed on a computing system. 2.-23. (canceled) | A computer implemented method, system, and software for calculating and using an intraday indicative value of a leveraged Bullish or Bearish exchange traded fund (“ETF”) for arbitrage purposes, includes calculating an intraday current value of all the equity securities in the ETF (applicable only to Bullish ETFs), calculating mark to market gains or losses of at least one derivative product, and retrieving an accumulated loss or gain of the at least one derivative product and other cash equivalent amounts. The intraday indicative value of the ETF is determined by combining the calculated intraday current value of all the equity securities (applicable only to Bullish ETFs), the accumulated loss or gain, the mark to market gains of the at least one derivative product and other cash equivalent amounts. The determined intraday value of the ETF is used, by a party, for arbitrage purposes.1. A computer implemented method of calculating and using an intraday indicative value of a Bullish exchange traded fund (“ETF”) for arbitrage purposes, comprising the steps of:
calculating or having calculated an intraday current value of all the equity securities in the ETF;
calculating, or having calculated, mark to market gains or losses of at least one derivative product;
retrieving, or having retrieved, an accumulated loss or gain of at least one derivative product;
determining, or having determined, the intraday indicative value of the ETF by combining the calculated intraday current value of all the equity securities, the accumulated loss or gain and the mark to market gains of the at least one derivative product; and
using the determined intraday value of the ETF, by a party, for performing an arbitrage transaction, wherein one or more of the above steps are performed on a computing system. 2.-23. (canceled) | 3,600 |
12,747 | 12,747 | 14,879,770 | 3,657 | A rotary viscous vibration damper or absorber has a hub part which can be fastened to a crankshaft of an engine, in particular of an internal combustion engine, and a vibration damper ring which is mounted such that it can be rotated relative to the hub part. A shear gap which is filled with a silicone oil is formed between the hub part and the vibration damper ring, in which shear gap flange bushings for guiding the vibration damper ring are mounted. The flange bushings are composed of a liquid crystal polymer. | 1. A rotary viscous vibration damper or absorber, comprising:
a hub part fastenable to a crankshaft of an engine; a vibration damper ring mounted so as to be rotated relative to the hub part; a shear gap configured between the hub part and the vibration damper ring, the shear gap being filled with a silicone oil; flange bushings mounted in the shear gap, the flange bushings guiding the vibration damper ring in the hub part, wherein the flange bushings are made of a liquid crystal polymer. 2. The rotary viscous vibration damper or absorber according to claim 1, wherein the flange bushings have an L-shaped cross section. 3. The rotary viscous vibration damper or absorber according to claim 2, wherein the hub part is a substantially annular housing in which the vibration damper ring is guided radially and axially via the flange bushings. 4. The rotary viscous vibration damper or absorber according to claim 3, wherein the engine is an internal combustion engine. | A rotary viscous vibration damper or absorber has a hub part which can be fastened to a crankshaft of an engine, in particular of an internal combustion engine, and a vibration damper ring which is mounted such that it can be rotated relative to the hub part. A shear gap which is filled with a silicone oil is formed between the hub part and the vibration damper ring, in which shear gap flange bushings for guiding the vibration damper ring are mounted. The flange bushings are composed of a liquid crystal polymer.1. A rotary viscous vibration damper or absorber, comprising:
a hub part fastenable to a crankshaft of an engine; a vibration damper ring mounted so as to be rotated relative to the hub part; a shear gap configured between the hub part and the vibration damper ring, the shear gap being filled with a silicone oil; flange bushings mounted in the shear gap, the flange bushings guiding the vibration damper ring in the hub part, wherein the flange bushings are made of a liquid crystal polymer. 2. The rotary viscous vibration damper or absorber according to claim 1, wherein the flange bushings have an L-shaped cross section. 3. The rotary viscous vibration damper or absorber according to claim 2, wherein the hub part is a substantially annular housing in which the vibration damper ring is guided radially and axially via the flange bushings. 4. The rotary viscous vibration damper or absorber according to claim 3, wherein the engine is an internal combustion engine. | 3,600 |
12,748 | 12,748 | 14,045,956 | 3,626 | Methods, computer systems, and computer-storage medium are provided for maintaining context between applications utilizing prioritized patient lists. A selection of patients is received from a clinician. A patient list is prioritized. A preview of information from more than one application is provided without requiring each application to launch. A selection of a patient from the patient list is received. More than one application is launched for the patient based on context passed from the patient list to each application. | 1. One or more computer hardware storage media storing computer-useable instructions that, when used by one or more computing devices, cause the one or more computing devices to perform a method of maintaining context between applications utilizing prioritized patient lists, the method comprising:
receiving a selection of patients from a clinician; prioritizing a patient list; providing a preview of information from more than one application without requiring each application to launch; receiving a selection of a patient from the patient list; and launching more than one application for the patient based on context passed from the patient list to each application. 2. The media of claim 1, further comprising providing an Acute Physiology Score (APS) associated with each of the patients in the patient list without opening an APS application for any of the patients. 3. The media of claim 1, wherein the patient list is centrally managed and does not require maintaining a patient list within each application. 4. The media of claim 1, further comprising receiving an acknowledgement of at least one of the alerts from the patient list. 5. The media of claim 1, further comprising receiving, from a clinician, a selection of a different patient from the patient list. 6. The media of claim 5, further comprising closing each of the applications for the patient. 7. The media of claim 6, further comprising launching more than one application for the different patient. 8. The media of claim 1, wherein the selection is associated with an indication of which applications to open. 9. The media of claim 8, wherein the indication is dependent on a clinician interaction with the patient list. 10. The media of claim 9, wherein the interaction is a configurable number of mouse clicks. 11. The media of claim 9, wherein the interaction is a type of gesture. 12. The media of claim 9, wherein the interaction is a voice command. 13. The media of claim 1, wherein the selection is made from a video button associated with the patient causing all applications to open for the patient. 14. A computer system for maintaining context between applications utilizing prioritized patient lists, the computer system comprising one or more processors coupled to a computer storage medium, the computer storage medium having stored thereon a plurality of computer software components executable by the one or more processors, the computer software components comprising:
a selection component that receives a selection of patients from a clinician; a priority component that prioritizes a patient list; a preview component that provides a preview of information from more than one application without requiring each application to launch; a patient component that receives a selection of a patient from the patient list; and a launch component that launches more than one application based on context passed from the patient list to each application. 15. The computer system of claim 14, further comprising a hub component that centrally manages the patient list and does not require maintaining the patient list within each application. 16. The computer system of claim 14, further comprising a close component that closes each of the applications for the patient when a selection of a different patient is received by the patient component. 17. The computer system of claim 14, further comprising an indication component that receives a clinician interaction with the patient list, the interaction associated with an indication of which applications to open. 18. Computer storage media having computer-executable instructions embodied thereon that, when executed by one or more computing devices, cause the one or more computing devices to produce a graphical user interface (GUI) for maintaining context between applications utilizing prioritized patient lists, the GUI comprising:
a prioritized patient list display area that displays a prioritized patient list comprising a summary of data received from more than one application, the prioritized patient list comprising a selection of patients received from a clinician; and a patient summary display area that displays, after a summary interaction is received for a patient, a patient summary for the patient provided by one of the applications without launching the application providing data displayed in the patient summary. 19. The media of claim 18, wherein the GUI further comprises:
an alert display area that displays, for each patient in the prioritized patient list, a summary of alerts that have not been acknowledged without launching the application communicating the alerts; and a patient-specific display area that displays, after a patient-specific interaction is received for the patient, a launched application with patient-specific information for the patient. 20. The GUI of claim 19, further comprising a video display area that displays, after a video interaction is received for the patient, each of the launched applications for the patient in a single application display area that includes a live video feed of the patient. | Methods, computer systems, and computer-storage medium are provided for maintaining context between applications utilizing prioritized patient lists. A selection of patients is received from a clinician. A patient list is prioritized. A preview of information from more than one application is provided without requiring each application to launch. A selection of a patient from the patient list is received. More than one application is launched for the patient based on context passed from the patient list to each application.1. One or more computer hardware storage media storing computer-useable instructions that, when used by one or more computing devices, cause the one or more computing devices to perform a method of maintaining context between applications utilizing prioritized patient lists, the method comprising:
receiving a selection of patients from a clinician; prioritizing a patient list; providing a preview of information from more than one application without requiring each application to launch; receiving a selection of a patient from the patient list; and launching more than one application for the patient based on context passed from the patient list to each application. 2. The media of claim 1, further comprising providing an Acute Physiology Score (APS) associated with each of the patients in the patient list without opening an APS application for any of the patients. 3. The media of claim 1, wherein the patient list is centrally managed and does not require maintaining a patient list within each application. 4. The media of claim 1, further comprising receiving an acknowledgement of at least one of the alerts from the patient list. 5. The media of claim 1, further comprising receiving, from a clinician, a selection of a different patient from the patient list. 6. The media of claim 5, further comprising closing each of the applications for the patient. 7. The media of claim 6, further comprising launching more than one application for the different patient. 8. The media of claim 1, wherein the selection is associated with an indication of which applications to open. 9. The media of claim 8, wherein the indication is dependent on a clinician interaction with the patient list. 10. The media of claim 9, wherein the interaction is a configurable number of mouse clicks. 11. The media of claim 9, wherein the interaction is a type of gesture. 12. The media of claim 9, wherein the interaction is a voice command. 13. The media of claim 1, wherein the selection is made from a video button associated with the patient causing all applications to open for the patient. 14. A computer system for maintaining context between applications utilizing prioritized patient lists, the computer system comprising one or more processors coupled to a computer storage medium, the computer storage medium having stored thereon a plurality of computer software components executable by the one or more processors, the computer software components comprising:
a selection component that receives a selection of patients from a clinician; a priority component that prioritizes a patient list; a preview component that provides a preview of information from more than one application without requiring each application to launch; a patient component that receives a selection of a patient from the patient list; and a launch component that launches more than one application based on context passed from the patient list to each application. 15. The computer system of claim 14, further comprising a hub component that centrally manages the patient list and does not require maintaining the patient list within each application. 16. The computer system of claim 14, further comprising a close component that closes each of the applications for the patient when a selection of a different patient is received by the patient component. 17. The computer system of claim 14, further comprising an indication component that receives a clinician interaction with the patient list, the interaction associated with an indication of which applications to open. 18. Computer storage media having computer-executable instructions embodied thereon that, when executed by one or more computing devices, cause the one or more computing devices to produce a graphical user interface (GUI) for maintaining context between applications utilizing prioritized patient lists, the GUI comprising:
a prioritized patient list display area that displays a prioritized patient list comprising a summary of data received from more than one application, the prioritized patient list comprising a selection of patients received from a clinician; and a patient summary display area that displays, after a summary interaction is received for a patient, a patient summary for the patient provided by one of the applications without launching the application providing data displayed in the patient summary. 19. The media of claim 18, wherein the GUI further comprises:
an alert display area that displays, for each patient in the prioritized patient list, a summary of alerts that have not been acknowledged without launching the application communicating the alerts; and a patient-specific display area that displays, after a patient-specific interaction is received for the patient, a launched application with patient-specific information for the patient. 20. The GUI of claim 19, further comprising a video display area that displays, after a video interaction is received for the patient, each of the launched applications for the patient in a single application display area that includes a live video feed of the patient. | 3,600 |
12,749 | 12,749 | 14,992,805 | 3,662 | A device, method and system for collecting user-based insurance data in vehicles is provided, including a device comprising: a processor, a memory storing a plurality of driver-associated encryption keys and a communication interface configured to communicate with a vehicle diagnostic monitor and a remote server, the processor configured to: determine a current driver of the vehicle; select a current encryption key from the plurality of the driver-associated encryption keys based on the current driver; collect, using the communication interface, vehicle data from the vehicle diagnostic monitor; encrypt the vehicle data using the current encryption key to produce encrypted vehicle data; and, transmit, using the communication interface, the encrypted vehicle data to the remote server. | 1. A device comprising:
a processor, a memory storing a plurality of driver-associated encryption keys and a communication interface configured to communicate with a vehicle diagnostic monitor and a remote server, the processor configured to:
determine a current driver of the vehicle;
select a current encryption key from the plurality of the driver-associated encryption keys based on the current driver;
collect, using the communication interface, vehicle data from the vehicle diagnostic monitor;
encrypt the vehicle data using the current encryption key to produce encrypted vehicle data; and,
transmit, using the communication interface, the encrypted vehicle data to the remote server. 2. The device of claim 1, further comprising a removable dongle configured to removably connect to a communication bus. 3. The device of claim 1, wherein the communication interface comprises one or more of: an OBD (on-board diagnostics) connector, an OBD-II connector, a USB (universal serial bus) connector, an Ethernet bus connector, and a CAN (controller area network) Bus connector. 4. The device of claim 1, wherein each of the driver-associated encryption keys comprises a respective private encryption key. 5. The device of claim 1, wherein each of the driver-associated encryption keys comprises an ECC (elliptical curve cryptography) key. 6. The device of claim 1, wherein the processor is further configured to determine the current driver of the vehicle by receiving log-in data from an input device of one or more of the vehicle, a mobile device, and the device. 7. The device of claim 1, wherein the processor is further configured to determine the current driver of the vehicle by receiving driver identification data from an input device of one or more of the vehicle, a mobile device, and the device. 8. The device of claim 1, wherein the processor is further configured to combine the vehicle data with user data prior to encrypting the vehicle data. 9. The device of claim 1, wherein the processor is further configured to place the device in a read-only mode when the communication interface is connected to the vehicle diagnostic monitor. 10. A method comprising:
at a device comprising: a processor, a memory storing a plurality of driver-associated encryption keys and a communication interface configured to communicate with a vehicle diagnostic monitor and a remote server:
determining, at the processor, a current driver of the vehicle;
selecting, at the processor, a current encryption key from the plurality of the driver-associated encryption keys based on the current driver;
collecting, at the processor, using the communication interface, vehicle data from the vehicle diagnostic monitor;
encrypting, at the processor, the vehicle data using the current encryption key to produce encrypted vehicle data; and,
transmitting, at the processor, using the communication interface, the encrypted vehicle data to the second device. 11. The method of claim 11, wherein the communication interface comprises one or more of: an OBD (on-board diagnostics) connector, an OBD-II (on-board diagnostics) connector, a USB (universal serial bus) connector, an Ethernet bus connector, and a CAN (controller area network) Bus connector. 12. The method of claim 11, wherein each of the driver-associated encryption keys comprises a respective public encryption key. 13. The method of claim 11, wherein each of the driver-associated encryption keys comprises an ECC (elliptical curve cryptography) key. 14. The method of claim 11, further comprising determining the current driver of the vehicle by receiving log-in data from an input device of one or more of the vehicle, a mobile device, and the device. 15. The method of claim 11, further comprising determining the current driver of the vehicle by comparing the vehicle data with stored vehicle data associated with the current driver. 16. The method of claim 11, further comprising determining the current driver of the vehicle by receiving driver identification data from an input device of one or more of the vehicle, a mobile device, and the device. 17. The method of claim 11, further comprising combining the vehicle data with user data received from a mobile device prior to encrypting the vehicle data. 18. The method of claim 11, further comprising placing the device in a read-only mode when the communication interface is connected to the vehicle diagnostic monitor. 19. A non-volatile computer-readable medium storing a computer program, wherein execution of the computer program is for:
at a device comprising: a processor, a memory storing a plurality of driver-associated encryption keys and a communication interface configured to communicate with a vehicle diagnostic monitor and a remote server:
determining, at the processor, a current driver of the vehicle;
selecting, at the processor, a current encryption key from the plurality of the driver-associated encryption keys based on the current driver;
collecting, at the processor, using the communication interface, vehicle data from the vehicle diagnostic monitor;
encrypting, at the processor, the vehicle data using the current encryption key to produce encrypted vehicle data; and,
transmitting, at the processor, using the communication interface, the encrypted vehicle data to the second device. | A device, method and system for collecting user-based insurance data in vehicles is provided, including a device comprising: a processor, a memory storing a plurality of driver-associated encryption keys and a communication interface configured to communicate with a vehicle diagnostic monitor and a remote server, the processor configured to: determine a current driver of the vehicle; select a current encryption key from the plurality of the driver-associated encryption keys based on the current driver; collect, using the communication interface, vehicle data from the vehicle diagnostic monitor; encrypt the vehicle data using the current encryption key to produce encrypted vehicle data; and, transmit, using the communication interface, the encrypted vehicle data to the remote server.1. A device comprising:
a processor, a memory storing a plurality of driver-associated encryption keys and a communication interface configured to communicate with a vehicle diagnostic monitor and a remote server, the processor configured to:
determine a current driver of the vehicle;
select a current encryption key from the plurality of the driver-associated encryption keys based on the current driver;
collect, using the communication interface, vehicle data from the vehicle diagnostic monitor;
encrypt the vehicle data using the current encryption key to produce encrypted vehicle data; and,
transmit, using the communication interface, the encrypted vehicle data to the remote server. 2. The device of claim 1, further comprising a removable dongle configured to removably connect to a communication bus. 3. The device of claim 1, wherein the communication interface comprises one or more of: an OBD (on-board diagnostics) connector, an OBD-II connector, a USB (universal serial bus) connector, an Ethernet bus connector, and a CAN (controller area network) Bus connector. 4. The device of claim 1, wherein each of the driver-associated encryption keys comprises a respective private encryption key. 5. The device of claim 1, wherein each of the driver-associated encryption keys comprises an ECC (elliptical curve cryptography) key. 6. The device of claim 1, wherein the processor is further configured to determine the current driver of the vehicle by receiving log-in data from an input device of one or more of the vehicle, a mobile device, and the device. 7. The device of claim 1, wherein the processor is further configured to determine the current driver of the vehicle by receiving driver identification data from an input device of one or more of the vehicle, a mobile device, and the device. 8. The device of claim 1, wherein the processor is further configured to combine the vehicle data with user data prior to encrypting the vehicle data. 9. The device of claim 1, wherein the processor is further configured to place the device in a read-only mode when the communication interface is connected to the vehicle diagnostic monitor. 10. A method comprising:
at a device comprising: a processor, a memory storing a plurality of driver-associated encryption keys and a communication interface configured to communicate with a vehicle diagnostic monitor and a remote server:
determining, at the processor, a current driver of the vehicle;
selecting, at the processor, a current encryption key from the plurality of the driver-associated encryption keys based on the current driver;
collecting, at the processor, using the communication interface, vehicle data from the vehicle diagnostic monitor;
encrypting, at the processor, the vehicle data using the current encryption key to produce encrypted vehicle data; and,
transmitting, at the processor, using the communication interface, the encrypted vehicle data to the second device. 11. The method of claim 11, wherein the communication interface comprises one or more of: an OBD (on-board diagnostics) connector, an OBD-II (on-board diagnostics) connector, a USB (universal serial bus) connector, an Ethernet bus connector, and a CAN (controller area network) Bus connector. 12. The method of claim 11, wherein each of the driver-associated encryption keys comprises a respective public encryption key. 13. The method of claim 11, wherein each of the driver-associated encryption keys comprises an ECC (elliptical curve cryptography) key. 14. The method of claim 11, further comprising determining the current driver of the vehicle by receiving log-in data from an input device of one or more of the vehicle, a mobile device, and the device. 15. The method of claim 11, further comprising determining the current driver of the vehicle by comparing the vehicle data with stored vehicle data associated with the current driver. 16. The method of claim 11, further comprising determining the current driver of the vehicle by receiving driver identification data from an input device of one or more of the vehicle, a mobile device, and the device. 17. The method of claim 11, further comprising combining the vehicle data with user data received from a mobile device prior to encrypting the vehicle data. 18. The method of claim 11, further comprising placing the device in a read-only mode when the communication interface is connected to the vehicle diagnostic monitor. 19. A non-volatile computer-readable medium storing a computer program, wherein execution of the computer program is for:
at a device comprising: a processor, a memory storing a plurality of driver-associated encryption keys and a communication interface configured to communicate with a vehicle diagnostic monitor and a remote server:
determining, at the processor, a current driver of the vehicle;
selecting, at the processor, a current encryption key from the plurality of the driver-associated encryption keys based on the current driver;
collecting, at the processor, using the communication interface, vehicle data from the vehicle diagnostic monitor;
encrypting, at the processor, the vehicle data using the current encryption key to produce encrypted vehicle data; and,
transmitting, at the processor, using the communication interface, the encrypted vehicle data to the second device. | 3,600 |
12,750 | 12,750 | 13,551,454 | 3,687 | An inventory management, and a shipping/returns management system can be analyzed to determine various performance characteristics of an e-commerce operator, such as whether the latter maintains sufficient items to meet demand, whether distribution is occurring in a timely fashion, etc. The systems are analyzed using one or more anonymous proxy accounts. | 1-15. (canceled) 16. A method of testing item delivery performance of items ordered from an e-commerce site, the method comprising the steps of:
(a) generating a request with a computing system for a first item from a user account to a server supporting the e-commerce site; (b) receiving a first notification with said computing system that said first item has been shipped to a first location associated with said user account; (c) determining with said computing system a processing time and delivery time required for the e-commerce site to process said request for the first item, distribute the first item to a first location associated with the user account, process a return of the first item from said first location, and generate a second notification that a second item has been shipped to said first location. 17. The method of claim 16, wherein during step (c), the following times are computed:
a. a first processing time associated with the e-commerce site preparing said first item for shipment; b. a first transit time associated with deliver of the first item to said first location; c. a second transit time associated with returning the first item back from said first location; d. a second processing time associated with the e-commerce site processing a return for said first item and identifying that said second item is available for shipment to said first location. 18. The method of claim 16, wherein a plurality of user accounts across a plurality of separate geographical locations are tested. 19. The method of claim 16, wherein a report is generated for a plurality of separate items requested by the user account. 20. The method of claim 16, further including a step: generating a notification to the e-commerce site when said processing time and delivery time exceed a predetermined threshold. 21. The method of claim 16, further including a step:
(d) testing a shipping and returns management system used by the e-commerce site, to determine delays and latencies associated with distributing inventory items, handling returns of old inventory items, and shipping new items as replacements for said old inventory items. 22. The method of claim 16, further including a step:
(d) identifying any selection bias introduced by a recommender system at the e-commerce site and generating a report automatically to the e-commerce site and to a publicly viewable site. 23. The method of claim 16, further including a step:
adjusting a compensation paid by a third provider of said first item to the e-commerce site based on a performance rating derived from evaluating steps (b) and (c). 24. The method of claim 16 wherein each of the above steps are performed over a network by a client device without directly accessing a database of transaction records maintained by the server for inventory or sales of such first item. | An inventory management, and a shipping/returns management system can be analyzed to determine various performance characteristics of an e-commerce operator, such as whether the latter maintains sufficient items to meet demand, whether distribution is occurring in a timely fashion, etc. The systems are analyzed using one or more anonymous proxy accounts.1-15. (canceled) 16. A method of testing item delivery performance of items ordered from an e-commerce site, the method comprising the steps of:
(a) generating a request with a computing system for a first item from a user account to a server supporting the e-commerce site; (b) receiving a first notification with said computing system that said first item has been shipped to a first location associated with said user account; (c) determining with said computing system a processing time and delivery time required for the e-commerce site to process said request for the first item, distribute the first item to a first location associated with the user account, process a return of the first item from said first location, and generate a second notification that a second item has been shipped to said first location. 17. The method of claim 16, wherein during step (c), the following times are computed:
a. a first processing time associated with the e-commerce site preparing said first item for shipment; b. a first transit time associated with deliver of the first item to said first location; c. a second transit time associated with returning the first item back from said first location; d. a second processing time associated with the e-commerce site processing a return for said first item and identifying that said second item is available for shipment to said first location. 18. The method of claim 16, wherein a plurality of user accounts across a plurality of separate geographical locations are tested. 19. The method of claim 16, wherein a report is generated for a plurality of separate items requested by the user account. 20. The method of claim 16, further including a step: generating a notification to the e-commerce site when said processing time and delivery time exceed a predetermined threshold. 21. The method of claim 16, further including a step:
(d) testing a shipping and returns management system used by the e-commerce site, to determine delays and latencies associated with distributing inventory items, handling returns of old inventory items, and shipping new items as replacements for said old inventory items. 22. The method of claim 16, further including a step:
(d) identifying any selection bias introduced by a recommender system at the e-commerce site and generating a report automatically to the e-commerce site and to a publicly viewable site. 23. The method of claim 16, further including a step:
adjusting a compensation paid by a third provider of said first item to the e-commerce site based on a performance rating derived from evaluating steps (b) and (c). 24. The method of claim 16 wherein each of the above steps are performed over a network by a client device without directly accessing a database of transaction records maintained by the server for inventory or sales of such first item. | 3,600 |
12,751 | 12,751 | 13,802,027 | 3,622 | In an embodiment, a data processing method comprises receiving, by a mobile app, incentive data comprising one or more app event types, wherein each app event type is associated with an incentive frequency value and a reward type; detecting an occurrence of an app event of the mobile app, wherein the app event is associated with a particular app event type of the one or more app event types; determining, based on the incentive frequency value for the particular app event type, whether to generate a scaffolding event comprising displaying an advertisement and providing a reward of the reward type associated with the particular app event type; displaying the advertisement and providing the reward; wherein the method is performed by one or more computing devices. | 1. A data processing method comprising:
receiving, by a mobile app, incentive data comprising one or more app event types, wherein each app event type is associated with an incentive frequency value and a reward type; detecting an occurrence of an app event of the mobile app, wherein the app event is associated with a particular app event type of the one or more app event types; determining, based on the incentive frequency value for the particular app event type, whether to generate a scaffolding event comprising displaying an advertisement and providing a reward of the reward type associated with the particular app event type; displaying the advertisement and providing the reward; wherein the method is performed by one or more computing devices. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein determining whether to generate the scaffolding event further comprises determining (a) a number of occurrences of app events of the particular app event type, and (b) a number of scaffolding events generated in response to an occurrence of an app event of the particular app event type. 3. The method of claim 2, further comprising:
determining a historical scaffolding event frequency value based on a ratio of (a) the number of occurrences of app events of the particular app event type and (b) the number of scaffolding events generated in response to an occurrence of an app event of the particular app event type; wherein determining whether to generate a scaffolding event further comprises determining that the incentive frequency value exceeds the historical scaffolding event frequency value. 4. The method of claim 2, wherein the number of occurrences of app events of the particular app event type is based on one of: a current session of the mobile app, a plurality of sessions of the mobile app. 5. The method of claim 1, wherein the mobile app is a game app, and wherein each of the plurality of app event types represents a gameplay related event. 6. The method of claim 5, wherein one or more of the one or more app event types comprises one of a game currency punishment event, a game life punishment event, a game termination event, a game level setback event, a custom game event. 7. The method of claim 5, wherein the reward is associated with the game app and comprises one or more of: an increase of in-game currency or in-game energy, an increase of available in-game lives, advancing a user of the mobile app to a particular in-game level, granting the user an in-game item, and a custom reward. 8. The method of claim 1, further comprising:
in response to determining to generate a scaffolding event, sending a request to an advertisement server for an advertising unit comprising a particular ad; determining whether a user of the mobile app interacts with the particular ad; in response to determining that the user interacts with the particular ad, providing the reward. 9. The method of claim 1, further comprising sending, to a server, a message comprising identifiers of one or more of the mobile app, a user of the mobile app, and the particular app event type. 10. The method of claim 1, further comprising determining, based on the incentive data, that the app event type is an incentivized app event type. 11. A data processing method comprising:
receiving, by a game app, incentive data comprising one or more adverse gameplay event types, wherein each adverse gameplay event type is associated with an incentive frequency value and a game reward type; detecting an occurrence of a gameplay event of the game app, wherein the gameplay event is associated with a particular adverse gameplay event type of the one or more adverse gameplay event types; determining, based on the incentive frequency value associated with the adverse gameplay event type, whether to generate a scaffolding event including displaying an advertisement and providing a game reward of the game reward type associated with the particular adverse gameplay event type; displaying the advertisement and providing the game reward; wherein the method is performed by one or more computing devices. 12. The method of claim 11, wherein one or more of the one or more adverse gameplay event types comprises one of a game currency punishment event, a game life punishment event, a game termination event, a game level setback event, a custom game event. 13. The method of claim 11, wherein the game reward comprises one or more of: an increase of in-game currency or in-game energy, an increase of available in-game lives, advancing a user of the game app to a particular in-game level, granting the user an in-game item, and a custom game reward. 14. The method of claim 11, further comprising:
in response to determining to generate a scaffolding event, sending a request to an advertisement server for an advertising unit comprising a particular ad; determining whether a user of the mobile app interacts with the particular ad; in response to determining that the user interacts with the particular ad, providing the game reward. 15. A data processing method comprising:
receiving, from a mobile device, a message indicating an occurrence of a gameplay event of a game app, wherein the gameplay event is associated with a particular adverse gameplay event type of one or more adverse gameplay event types; retrieving incentive data associated with the one or more adverse gameplay event types, wherein the incentive data indicates, for each of the one or more adverse gameplay event types, an incentive frequency value and a game reward type; determining, based on the incentive frequency value associated with the particular adverse gameplay event type, whether to cause the mobile device to generate a scaffolding event including displaying an advertisement and providing a game reward of the game reward type associated with the particular adverse gameplay event type; causing the mobile device to display the advertisement and to provide the game reward; wherein the method is performed by one or more computing devices. 16. A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing one or more sequences of instructions, which when executed by one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to carry out the steps of:
receiving, by a mobile app, incentive data comprising one or more app event types, wherein each app event type is associated with an incentive frequency value and a reward type; detecting an occurrence of an app event of the mobile app, wherein the app event is associated with a particular app event type of the one or more app event types; determining, based on the incentive frequency value for the particular app event type, whether to generate a scaffolding event comprising displaying an advertisement and providing a reward of the reward type associated with the particular app event type; displaying the advertisement and providing the reward. 17. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 16, wherein determining whether to generate the scaffolding event further comprises determining (a) a number of occurrences of app events of the particular app event type, and (b) a number of scaffolding events generated in response to an occurrence of an app event of the particular app event type. 18. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 17, wherein the one or more instructions further comprise instructions which, when executed by one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to perform:
determining a historical scaffolding event frequency value based on a ratio of (a) the number of occurrences of app events of the particular app event type and (b) the number of scaffolding events generated in response to an occurrence of an app event of the particular app event type; wherein determining whether to generate a scaffolding event further comprises determining that the incentive frequency value exceeds the historical scaffolding event frequency value. 19. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 17, wherein the number of occurrences of app events of the particular app event type is based on one of: a current session of the mobile app, a plurality of sessions of the mobile app. 20. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 16, wherein the mobile app is a game app, and wherein each of the plurality of app event types represents a gameplay related event. 21. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 20, wherein one or more of the one or more app event types comprises one of a game currency punishment event, a game life punishment event, a game termination event, a game level setback event, a custom game event. 22. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 20, wherein the reward is associated with the game app and comprises one or more of: an increase of in-game currency or in-game energy, an increase of available in-game lives, advancing a user of the mobile app to a particular in-game level, granting the user an in-game item, and a custom reward. 23. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 16, wherein the one or more instructions further comprise instructions which, when executed by one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to perform:
in response to determining to generate a scaffolding event, sending a request to an advertisement server for an advertising unit comprising a particular ad; determining whether a user of the mobile app interacts with the particular ad; in response to determining that the user interacts with the particular ad, providing the reward. 24. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 16, wherein the one or more instructions further comprise instructions which, when executed by one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to perform sending, to a server, a message comprising identifiers of one or more of the mobile app, a user of the mobile app, and the particular app event type. 25. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 16, wherein the one or more instructions further comprise instructions which, when executed by one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to perform determining, based on the incentive data, that the app event type is an incentivized app event type. 26. A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing one or more sequences of instructions, which when executed by one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to carry out the steps of:
receiving, by a game app, incentive data comprising one or more adverse gameplay event types, wherein each adverse gameplay event type is associated with an incentive frequency value and a game reward type; detecting an occurrence of a gameplay event of the game app, wherein the gameplay event is associated with a particular adverse gameplay event type of the one or more adverse gameplay event types; determining, based on the incentive frequency value associated with the adverse gameplay event type, whether to generate a scaffolding event including displaying an advertisement and providing a game reward of the game reward type associated with the particular adverse gameplay event type; displaying the advertisement and providing the game reward. 27. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 26, wherein one or more of the one or more adverse gameplay event types comprises one of a game currency punishment event, a game life punishment event, a game termination event, a game level setback event, a custom game event. 28. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 26, wherein the game reward comprises one or more of: an increase of in-game currency or in-game energy, an increase of available in-game lives, advancing a user of the game app to a particular in-game level, granting the user an in-game item, and a custom game reward. 29. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 26, wherein the one or more instructions further comprise instructions which, when executed by one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to perform:
in response to determining to generate a scaffolding event, sending a request to an advertisement server for an advertising unit comprising a particular ad; determining whether a user of the mobile app interacts with the particular ad; in response to determining that the user interacts with the particular ad, providing the game reward. 30. A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing one or more sequences of instructions, which when executed by one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to carry out the steps of:
receiving, from a mobile device, a message indicating an occurrence of a gameplay event of a game app, wherein the gameplay event is associated with a particular adverse gameplay event type of one or more adverse gameplay event types; retrieving incentive data associated with the one or more adverse gameplay event types, wherein the incentive data indicates, for each of the one or more adverse gameplay event types, an incentive frequency value and a game reward type; determining, based on the incentive frequency value associated with the particular adverse gameplay event type, whether to cause the mobile device to generate a scaffolding event including displaying an advertisement and providing a game reward of the game reward type associated with the particular adverse gameplay event type; causing the mobile device to display the advertisement and to provide the game reward | In an embodiment, a data processing method comprises receiving, by a mobile app, incentive data comprising one or more app event types, wherein each app event type is associated with an incentive frequency value and a reward type; detecting an occurrence of an app event of the mobile app, wherein the app event is associated with a particular app event type of the one or more app event types; determining, based on the incentive frequency value for the particular app event type, whether to generate a scaffolding event comprising displaying an advertisement and providing a reward of the reward type associated with the particular app event type; displaying the advertisement and providing the reward; wherein the method is performed by one or more computing devices.1. A data processing method comprising:
receiving, by a mobile app, incentive data comprising one or more app event types, wherein each app event type is associated with an incentive frequency value and a reward type; detecting an occurrence of an app event of the mobile app, wherein the app event is associated with a particular app event type of the one or more app event types; determining, based on the incentive frequency value for the particular app event type, whether to generate a scaffolding event comprising displaying an advertisement and providing a reward of the reward type associated with the particular app event type; displaying the advertisement and providing the reward; wherein the method is performed by one or more computing devices. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein determining whether to generate the scaffolding event further comprises determining (a) a number of occurrences of app events of the particular app event type, and (b) a number of scaffolding events generated in response to an occurrence of an app event of the particular app event type. 3. The method of claim 2, further comprising:
determining a historical scaffolding event frequency value based on a ratio of (a) the number of occurrences of app events of the particular app event type and (b) the number of scaffolding events generated in response to an occurrence of an app event of the particular app event type; wherein determining whether to generate a scaffolding event further comprises determining that the incentive frequency value exceeds the historical scaffolding event frequency value. 4. The method of claim 2, wherein the number of occurrences of app events of the particular app event type is based on one of: a current session of the mobile app, a plurality of sessions of the mobile app. 5. The method of claim 1, wherein the mobile app is a game app, and wherein each of the plurality of app event types represents a gameplay related event. 6. The method of claim 5, wherein one or more of the one or more app event types comprises one of a game currency punishment event, a game life punishment event, a game termination event, a game level setback event, a custom game event. 7. The method of claim 5, wherein the reward is associated with the game app and comprises one or more of: an increase of in-game currency or in-game energy, an increase of available in-game lives, advancing a user of the mobile app to a particular in-game level, granting the user an in-game item, and a custom reward. 8. The method of claim 1, further comprising:
in response to determining to generate a scaffolding event, sending a request to an advertisement server for an advertising unit comprising a particular ad; determining whether a user of the mobile app interacts with the particular ad; in response to determining that the user interacts with the particular ad, providing the reward. 9. The method of claim 1, further comprising sending, to a server, a message comprising identifiers of one or more of the mobile app, a user of the mobile app, and the particular app event type. 10. The method of claim 1, further comprising determining, based on the incentive data, that the app event type is an incentivized app event type. 11. A data processing method comprising:
receiving, by a game app, incentive data comprising one or more adverse gameplay event types, wherein each adverse gameplay event type is associated with an incentive frequency value and a game reward type; detecting an occurrence of a gameplay event of the game app, wherein the gameplay event is associated with a particular adverse gameplay event type of the one or more adverse gameplay event types; determining, based on the incentive frequency value associated with the adverse gameplay event type, whether to generate a scaffolding event including displaying an advertisement and providing a game reward of the game reward type associated with the particular adverse gameplay event type; displaying the advertisement and providing the game reward; wherein the method is performed by one or more computing devices. 12. The method of claim 11, wherein one or more of the one or more adverse gameplay event types comprises one of a game currency punishment event, a game life punishment event, a game termination event, a game level setback event, a custom game event. 13. The method of claim 11, wherein the game reward comprises one or more of: an increase of in-game currency or in-game energy, an increase of available in-game lives, advancing a user of the game app to a particular in-game level, granting the user an in-game item, and a custom game reward. 14. The method of claim 11, further comprising:
in response to determining to generate a scaffolding event, sending a request to an advertisement server for an advertising unit comprising a particular ad; determining whether a user of the mobile app interacts with the particular ad; in response to determining that the user interacts with the particular ad, providing the game reward. 15. A data processing method comprising:
receiving, from a mobile device, a message indicating an occurrence of a gameplay event of a game app, wherein the gameplay event is associated with a particular adverse gameplay event type of one or more adverse gameplay event types; retrieving incentive data associated with the one or more adverse gameplay event types, wherein the incentive data indicates, for each of the one or more adverse gameplay event types, an incentive frequency value and a game reward type; determining, based on the incentive frequency value associated with the particular adverse gameplay event type, whether to cause the mobile device to generate a scaffolding event including displaying an advertisement and providing a game reward of the game reward type associated with the particular adverse gameplay event type; causing the mobile device to display the advertisement and to provide the game reward; wherein the method is performed by one or more computing devices. 16. A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing one or more sequences of instructions, which when executed by one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to carry out the steps of:
receiving, by a mobile app, incentive data comprising one or more app event types, wherein each app event type is associated with an incentive frequency value and a reward type; detecting an occurrence of an app event of the mobile app, wherein the app event is associated with a particular app event type of the one or more app event types; determining, based on the incentive frequency value for the particular app event type, whether to generate a scaffolding event comprising displaying an advertisement and providing a reward of the reward type associated with the particular app event type; displaying the advertisement and providing the reward. 17. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 16, wherein determining whether to generate the scaffolding event further comprises determining (a) a number of occurrences of app events of the particular app event type, and (b) a number of scaffolding events generated in response to an occurrence of an app event of the particular app event type. 18. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 17, wherein the one or more instructions further comprise instructions which, when executed by one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to perform:
determining a historical scaffolding event frequency value based on a ratio of (a) the number of occurrences of app events of the particular app event type and (b) the number of scaffolding events generated in response to an occurrence of an app event of the particular app event type; wherein determining whether to generate a scaffolding event further comprises determining that the incentive frequency value exceeds the historical scaffolding event frequency value. 19. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 17, wherein the number of occurrences of app events of the particular app event type is based on one of: a current session of the mobile app, a plurality of sessions of the mobile app. 20. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 16, wherein the mobile app is a game app, and wherein each of the plurality of app event types represents a gameplay related event. 21. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 20, wherein one or more of the one or more app event types comprises one of a game currency punishment event, a game life punishment event, a game termination event, a game level setback event, a custom game event. 22. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 20, wherein the reward is associated with the game app and comprises one or more of: an increase of in-game currency or in-game energy, an increase of available in-game lives, advancing a user of the mobile app to a particular in-game level, granting the user an in-game item, and a custom reward. 23. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 16, wherein the one or more instructions further comprise instructions which, when executed by one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to perform:
in response to determining to generate a scaffolding event, sending a request to an advertisement server for an advertising unit comprising a particular ad; determining whether a user of the mobile app interacts with the particular ad; in response to determining that the user interacts with the particular ad, providing the reward. 24. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 16, wherein the one or more instructions further comprise instructions which, when executed by one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to perform sending, to a server, a message comprising identifiers of one or more of the mobile app, a user of the mobile app, and the particular app event type. 25. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 16, wherein the one or more instructions further comprise instructions which, when executed by one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to perform determining, based on the incentive data, that the app event type is an incentivized app event type. 26. A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing one or more sequences of instructions, which when executed by one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to carry out the steps of:
receiving, by a game app, incentive data comprising one or more adverse gameplay event types, wherein each adverse gameplay event type is associated with an incentive frequency value and a game reward type; detecting an occurrence of a gameplay event of the game app, wherein the gameplay event is associated with a particular adverse gameplay event type of the one or more adverse gameplay event types; determining, based on the incentive frequency value associated with the adverse gameplay event type, whether to generate a scaffolding event including displaying an advertisement and providing a game reward of the game reward type associated with the particular adverse gameplay event type; displaying the advertisement and providing the game reward. 27. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 26, wherein one or more of the one or more adverse gameplay event types comprises one of a game currency punishment event, a game life punishment event, a game termination event, a game level setback event, a custom game event. 28. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 26, wherein the game reward comprises one or more of: an increase of in-game currency or in-game energy, an increase of available in-game lives, advancing a user of the game app to a particular in-game level, granting the user an in-game item, and a custom game reward. 29. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 26, wherein the one or more instructions further comprise instructions which, when executed by one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to perform:
in response to determining to generate a scaffolding event, sending a request to an advertisement server for an advertising unit comprising a particular ad; determining whether a user of the mobile app interacts with the particular ad; in response to determining that the user interacts with the particular ad, providing the game reward. 30. A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing one or more sequences of instructions, which when executed by one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to carry out the steps of:
receiving, from a mobile device, a message indicating an occurrence of a gameplay event of a game app, wherein the gameplay event is associated with a particular adverse gameplay event type of one or more adverse gameplay event types; retrieving incentive data associated with the one or more adverse gameplay event types, wherein the incentive data indicates, for each of the one or more adverse gameplay event types, an incentive frequency value and a game reward type; determining, based on the incentive frequency value associated with the particular adverse gameplay event type, whether to cause the mobile device to generate a scaffolding event including displaying an advertisement and providing a game reward of the game reward type associated with the particular adverse gameplay event type; causing the mobile device to display the advertisement and to provide the game reward | 3,600 |
12,752 | 12,752 | 15,060,693 | 3,654 | In one embodiment, a table saw assembly includes a motor assembly, an electrically conductive belt operably connected to the motor assembly, an arbor shaft operably connected to the belt, a drop arm assembly rotatably supporting the arbor shaft, and a first pulley rotatably supporting the belt, the first pulley including an inner bore and an outer surface, the first pulley configured to electrically isolate the inner bore from the outer surface. | 1. A table saw assembly comprising:
a motor assembly; an electrically conductive belt operably connected to the motor assembly; an arbor shaft operably connected to the belt; a drop arm assembly rotatably supporting the arbor shaft; and a first pulley rotatably supporting the belt, the first pulley including an inner bore and an outer surface, the first pulley configured to electrically isolate the inner bore from the outer surface. 2. The table saw assembly of claim 1, wherein the inner bore is fixedly attached to the arbor shaft. 3. The table saw assembly of claim 2, the first pulley further comprising:
an inner component defining the inner bore; and an outer component defining the outer surface. 4. The table saw assembly of claim 3, wherein the outer component is a plastic over-mold component. 5. The table saw assembly of claim 3, wherein:
the inner component is formed from a conductive material; the outer component is formed from a conductive material; the first pulley further comprises an intermediate core positioned between the inner core and the outer core; and the intermediate core is formed from a non-conductive material. 6. The table saw assembly of claim 5, further comprising:
a second pulley rotatably supporting the belt, the second pulley operably connected to the motor assembly such that rotation of the second pulley by the motor assembly causes the second pulley to rotate the belt. 7. The table saw assembly of claim 6, wherein the second pulley comprises:
an inner component formed from the conductive material; an outer component formed from the conductive material; and an intermediate core formed from the non-conductive material. 8. The table saw assembly of claim 7, wherein:
the outer component and the inner component of the first pulley define a plurality of first dovetail connections therebetween; and the outer component and the inner component of the second pulley define a plurality of second dovetail connections therebetween. 9. The table saw assembly of claim 1, wherein the first pulley is formed with a non-conductive material. 10. The table saw of claim 9 wherein the non-conductive material is anodized aluminum. 11. A method of assembling a table saw assembly comprising:
rotatably supporting an arbor shaft with a drop arm assembly; operably connecting the arbor shaft to an electrically conductive belt; operably connecting the electrically conductive belt to a motor assembly; and rotatably supporting the belt with a first pulley, the first pulley including an inner bore and an outer surface, the first pulley configured to electrically isolate the inner bore from the outer surface. 12. The method of claim 11, wherein operably connecting the arbor shaft to the electrically conductive belt comprises:
fixedly attaching the inner bore to the arbor shaft. 13. The method of claim 12, wherein:
operably connecting the arbor shaft to the electrically conductive belt comprises fixedly attaching an inner bore defined by an inner component of the first pulley to the arbor shaft; and rotatably supporting the belt with the first pulley comprises rotatably supporting the belt with an outer component of the first pulley, the outer component defining the outer surface. 14. The method of claim 13, wherein rotatably supporting the belt with the first pulley comprises rotatably supporting the belt with a plastic over-mold component of the first pulley, the plastic over-mold component defining the outer surface the outer component. 15. The method of claim 13, wherein:
the inner component is formed from a conductive material; the outer component is formed from a conductive material; the first pulley further comprises an intermediate core positioned between the inner core and the outer core; and the intermediate core is formed from a non-conductive material. 16. The method of claim 15, further comprising:
rotatably supporting the belt with a second pulley; and operably connecting the second pulley to the motor assembly such that rotation of the second pulley by the motor assembly causes the second pulley to rotate the belt. 17. The method of claim 16, wherein the second pulley comprises:
an inner component formed from the conductive material; an outer component formed from the conductive material; and an intermediate core formed from the non-conductive material. | In one embodiment, a table saw assembly includes a motor assembly, an electrically conductive belt operably connected to the motor assembly, an arbor shaft operably connected to the belt, a drop arm assembly rotatably supporting the arbor shaft, and a first pulley rotatably supporting the belt, the first pulley including an inner bore and an outer surface, the first pulley configured to electrically isolate the inner bore from the outer surface.1. A table saw assembly comprising:
a motor assembly; an electrically conductive belt operably connected to the motor assembly; an arbor shaft operably connected to the belt; a drop arm assembly rotatably supporting the arbor shaft; and a first pulley rotatably supporting the belt, the first pulley including an inner bore and an outer surface, the first pulley configured to electrically isolate the inner bore from the outer surface. 2. The table saw assembly of claim 1, wherein the inner bore is fixedly attached to the arbor shaft. 3. The table saw assembly of claim 2, the first pulley further comprising:
an inner component defining the inner bore; and an outer component defining the outer surface. 4. The table saw assembly of claim 3, wherein the outer component is a plastic over-mold component. 5. The table saw assembly of claim 3, wherein:
the inner component is formed from a conductive material; the outer component is formed from a conductive material; the first pulley further comprises an intermediate core positioned between the inner core and the outer core; and the intermediate core is formed from a non-conductive material. 6. The table saw assembly of claim 5, further comprising:
a second pulley rotatably supporting the belt, the second pulley operably connected to the motor assembly such that rotation of the second pulley by the motor assembly causes the second pulley to rotate the belt. 7. The table saw assembly of claim 6, wherein the second pulley comprises:
an inner component formed from the conductive material; an outer component formed from the conductive material; and an intermediate core formed from the non-conductive material. 8. The table saw assembly of claim 7, wherein:
the outer component and the inner component of the first pulley define a plurality of first dovetail connections therebetween; and the outer component and the inner component of the second pulley define a plurality of second dovetail connections therebetween. 9. The table saw assembly of claim 1, wherein the first pulley is formed with a non-conductive material. 10. The table saw of claim 9 wherein the non-conductive material is anodized aluminum. 11. A method of assembling a table saw assembly comprising:
rotatably supporting an arbor shaft with a drop arm assembly; operably connecting the arbor shaft to an electrically conductive belt; operably connecting the electrically conductive belt to a motor assembly; and rotatably supporting the belt with a first pulley, the first pulley including an inner bore and an outer surface, the first pulley configured to electrically isolate the inner bore from the outer surface. 12. The method of claim 11, wherein operably connecting the arbor shaft to the electrically conductive belt comprises:
fixedly attaching the inner bore to the arbor shaft. 13. The method of claim 12, wherein:
operably connecting the arbor shaft to the electrically conductive belt comprises fixedly attaching an inner bore defined by an inner component of the first pulley to the arbor shaft; and rotatably supporting the belt with the first pulley comprises rotatably supporting the belt with an outer component of the first pulley, the outer component defining the outer surface. 14. The method of claim 13, wherein rotatably supporting the belt with the first pulley comprises rotatably supporting the belt with a plastic over-mold component of the first pulley, the plastic over-mold component defining the outer surface the outer component. 15. The method of claim 13, wherein:
the inner component is formed from a conductive material; the outer component is formed from a conductive material; the first pulley further comprises an intermediate core positioned between the inner core and the outer core; and the intermediate core is formed from a non-conductive material. 16. The method of claim 15, further comprising:
rotatably supporting the belt with a second pulley; and operably connecting the second pulley to the motor assembly such that rotation of the second pulley by the motor assembly causes the second pulley to rotate the belt. 17. The method of claim 16, wherein the second pulley comprises:
an inner component formed from the conductive material; an outer component formed from the conductive material; and an intermediate core formed from the non-conductive material. | 3,600 |
12,753 | 12,753 | 15,060,699 | 3,654 | In one embodiment, a table saw assembly includes a motor assembly, an electrically conductive belt operably connected to the motor assembly, an arbor shaft operably connected to the belt, a drop arm assembly rotatably supporting the arbor shaft, a first pulley rotatably supporting the belt, the first pulley including an inner component defining an inner bore and an outer component defining an outer surface, the first pulley configured to electrically isolate the inner bore from the outer surface, and an alignment adjustment mechanism operably connected to the first pulley, the alignment adjustment mechanism configured to selectably position the first pulley along an axis of rotation of the first pulley. | 1. A table saw assembly comprising:
a motor assembly; an electrically conductive belt operably connected to the motor assembly; an arbor shaft operably connected to the belt; a drop arm assembly rotatably supporting the arbor shaft; a first pulley rotatably supporting the belt, the first pulley including an inner component defining an inner bore and an outer component defining an outer surface, the first pulley configured to electrically isolate the inner bore from the outer surface; and an alignment adjustment mechanism operably connected to the first pulley, the alignment adjustment mechanism configured to selectably position the first pulley along an axis of rotation of the first pulley. 2. The table saw assembly of claim 1, wherein the inner bore is fixedly attached to the arbor shaft. 3. The table saw assembly of claim 2, wherein:
the arbor shaft comprises a shim lip; and the alignment adjustment mechanism is located between the shim lip and the inner component. 4. The table saw of claim 3, wherein the alignment adjustment mechanism comprises a shim. 5. The table saw assembly of claim 4, wherein the outer component is a plastic over-mold component. 6. The table saw assembly of claim 4, wherein:
the inner component is formed from a conductive material; the outer component is formed from a conductive material; the first pulley further comprises an intermediate core positioned between the inner core and the outer core; and the intermediate core is formed from a non-conductive material. 7. The table saw assembly of claim 1, wherein the pulley is fixedly attached to a drive shaft of the motor assembly. 8. A method of assembling a table saw assembly comprising:
rotatably supporting an arbor shaft with a drop arm assembly; operably connecting the arbor shaft to an electrically conductive belt; operably connecting the electrically conductive belt to a motor assembly; rotatably supporting the belt with a first pulley, the first pulley including an inner bore and an outer surface, the first pulley configured to electrically isolate the inner bore from the outer surface; and selectably positioning the first pulley along an axis of rotation of the first pulley using an alignment adjustment mechanism operably connected to the first pulley. 9. The method of claim 8, wherein operably connecting the arbor shaft to the electrically conductive belt comprises:
fixedly attaching the inner bore to the arbor shaft. 10. The method of claim 9, wherein selectably positioning the first pulley comprises:
positioning the alignment adjustment mechanism between a shim lip on the arbor shaft and the inner component. 11. The method of claim 10, wherein selectably positioning the first pulley further comprises:
determining an offset between the first pulley and a second pulley; and positioning the alignment adjustment mechanism based upon the determined offset. 12. The method of claim 11, wherein:
selectably positioning the first pulley further comprises selecting at least one shim based upon the determined offset; and positioning the alignment adjustment mechanism comprises positioning the selected shim between the shim lip and the inner component. 13. The method of claim 12, wherein:
the inner component is formed from a conductive material; the outer component is formed from a conductive material; the first pulley further comprises an intermediate core positioned between the inner core and the outer core; and the intermediate core is formed from a non-conductive material. 14. The method of claim 8, further comprising:
fixedly attaching the inner bore to a drive shaft of the motor assembly. | In one embodiment, a table saw assembly includes a motor assembly, an electrically conductive belt operably connected to the motor assembly, an arbor shaft operably connected to the belt, a drop arm assembly rotatably supporting the arbor shaft, a first pulley rotatably supporting the belt, the first pulley including an inner component defining an inner bore and an outer component defining an outer surface, the first pulley configured to electrically isolate the inner bore from the outer surface, and an alignment adjustment mechanism operably connected to the first pulley, the alignment adjustment mechanism configured to selectably position the first pulley along an axis of rotation of the first pulley.1. A table saw assembly comprising:
a motor assembly; an electrically conductive belt operably connected to the motor assembly; an arbor shaft operably connected to the belt; a drop arm assembly rotatably supporting the arbor shaft; a first pulley rotatably supporting the belt, the first pulley including an inner component defining an inner bore and an outer component defining an outer surface, the first pulley configured to electrically isolate the inner bore from the outer surface; and an alignment adjustment mechanism operably connected to the first pulley, the alignment adjustment mechanism configured to selectably position the first pulley along an axis of rotation of the first pulley. 2. The table saw assembly of claim 1, wherein the inner bore is fixedly attached to the arbor shaft. 3. The table saw assembly of claim 2, wherein:
the arbor shaft comprises a shim lip; and the alignment adjustment mechanism is located between the shim lip and the inner component. 4. The table saw of claim 3, wherein the alignment adjustment mechanism comprises a shim. 5. The table saw assembly of claim 4, wherein the outer component is a plastic over-mold component. 6. The table saw assembly of claim 4, wherein:
the inner component is formed from a conductive material; the outer component is formed from a conductive material; the first pulley further comprises an intermediate core positioned between the inner core and the outer core; and the intermediate core is formed from a non-conductive material. 7. The table saw assembly of claim 1, wherein the pulley is fixedly attached to a drive shaft of the motor assembly. 8. A method of assembling a table saw assembly comprising:
rotatably supporting an arbor shaft with a drop arm assembly; operably connecting the arbor shaft to an electrically conductive belt; operably connecting the electrically conductive belt to a motor assembly; rotatably supporting the belt with a first pulley, the first pulley including an inner bore and an outer surface, the first pulley configured to electrically isolate the inner bore from the outer surface; and selectably positioning the first pulley along an axis of rotation of the first pulley using an alignment adjustment mechanism operably connected to the first pulley. 9. The method of claim 8, wherein operably connecting the arbor shaft to the electrically conductive belt comprises:
fixedly attaching the inner bore to the arbor shaft. 10. The method of claim 9, wherein selectably positioning the first pulley comprises:
positioning the alignment adjustment mechanism between a shim lip on the arbor shaft and the inner component. 11. The method of claim 10, wherein selectably positioning the first pulley further comprises:
determining an offset between the first pulley and a second pulley; and positioning the alignment adjustment mechanism based upon the determined offset. 12. The method of claim 11, wherein:
selectably positioning the first pulley further comprises selecting at least one shim based upon the determined offset; and positioning the alignment adjustment mechanism comprises positioning the selected shim between the shim lip and the inner component. 13. The method of claim 12, wherein:
the inner component is formed from a conductive material; the outer component is formed from a conductive material; the first pulley further comprises an intermediate core positioned between the inner core and the outer core; and the intermediate core is formed from a non-conductive material. 14. The method of claim 8, further comprising:
fixedly attaching the inner bore to a drive shaft of the motor assembly. | 3,600 |
12,754 | 12,754 | 12,857,118 | 3,626 | A patient management system includes a patient unit that obtains results data from a patient device and provides for two-way communication between the patient unit and a remote database. The patient unit can communicate with the remote database to obtain encounter instruction data for a given encounter as well as to send response data for the given encounter. A back office system can also access the database to retrieve the patient data for one or more patient users. The back office system can further add or modify encounter instruction data for use during a next encounter at the patient unit. The back office system can also set a dosage for the patient that can be stored in the remote database and retrieved by the patient unit as part of the given encounter. The back office system may also employ a rules engine that can be programmed according to an established protocol and can automatically generate encounter instructions and dosage information for one or more patient. | 1. A patient monitoring system comprising:
a patient unit comprising:
a device interface configured to provide for data communication with a measurement device, the patient unit being programmed to selectively retrieve results data indicative of at least one patient condition from the measurement device;
a communication module configured to provide two-way communication via a network with a remote database, the communication module being configured to retrieve encounter instruction data for the patient unit from the remote database for a given patient encounter that includes at least one set of predetermined queries, the communication module also being configured to send response data to the remote database for the given patient encounter, the response data comprising at least one of stored user responses and the results data;
a user interface programmed to present at least one of the predetermined queries to a user and to receive user responses to the each of the predetermined queries for the given patient encounter, the user responses for each of the predetermined queries being stored in memory of the patient unit as the response data for the given encounter; and
a back office system programmed to access the remote database and to retrieve the response data from the remote database for at least one patient unit, the back office system further being programmed to at least one of add or modify the encounter instruction data that is stored in the remote database for a next patient encounter at the patient unit. 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the at least one patient condition comprises an indication of blood coagulation for the patient. 3. The system of claim 1, wherein the patient unit further comprises controls for selectively enabling the measurement device to operate according to a predefined sequence step of the given patient encounter based on the encounter instruction data. 4. The system of claim 1, wherein the patient unit further comprises controls for selectively enabling the measurement device to operate after at least a predetermined portion of a patient encounter has been completed. 5. The system of claim 4, wherein the patient unit further comprises controls configured to instruct the measurement device to at least one of control delivery of a therapy or dosage to the patient according to a predefined sequence step of the given patient encounter based on the encounter instruction data defined for a given patient protocol. 6. The system of claim 1, wherein the at least one patient condition is analyzed to ascertain compliance with a therapy or dosage for the given patient. 7. The system of claim 6, wherein the at least one patient condition is analyzed by at least one of the patient unit and the back office system to ascertain the compliance. 8. The system of claim 1, wherein the at least one patient condition comprises an information about an orthopedic condition for the patient. 9. The system of claim 1, wherein the patient unit is programmed to store the response data separately from the results data. 10. The system of claim 1, wherein the patient unit is programmed to employ the communication module to retrieve updated instruction data from the remote database in response the user initiating a new encounter. 11. The system of claim 6, wherein the patient unit comprises an encounter schedule that indicates when the given encounter is scheduled to begin, the encounter schedule being stored in the memory of the patient unit in response to schedule data retrieved from the remote database as part of a preceding encounter that was substantially completed prior to the given encounter. 12. The system of claim 1, wherein the patient unit comprises a test subroutine for controlling acquisition of the results data from the measurement device, the patient unit calling the test subroutine in response to executing a predefined sequence step the given encounter. 13. The system of claim 1, wherein the given encounter comprises a sequence of predefined steps according to an established protocol, at least a substantial portion of the sequence of predefined steps requesting a confirmation response to be entered into the patient unit via the user interface, wherein the response data for the given encounter further comprises an indication of the confirmation response to indicate the user's compliance or non-compliance with the established protocol. 14. The system of claim 13, wherein the sequence of predefined steps comprises an update dosage sequence step, the patient unit retrieving an updated dosage for the given encounter from the remote database during execution of the update dosage sequence step, the update dosage sequence step employing instructions requesting that the user enter a dosage confirmation response at the patient unit to indicate that the user has received the updated dosage for a next treatment interval. 15. The system of claim 1, wherein the patient unit further comprising an alarm function that generates an alert in response to an off-nominal condition or non-compliance being detected in at least one of the response data and the results data. 16. The system of claim 15, wherein the patient unit is programmed to generate a real time alert that is provided to a predefined recipient in response to detecting the off-nominal condition. 17. The system of claim 1, wherein the patient unit is configured as server in the network. 18. The system of claim 1, wherein the back office system comprises a rules engine that includes predetermined rules programmed according to a protocol, the back office system employing the rules to generate the encounter instruction data that is retrieved by the back office system during the given encounter. 19. The system of claim 18, wherein the predetermined rules are programmable via the back office system on a patient-by-patient basis to provide individualized care for at least two different patients. 20. The system of claim 18, wherein the rules engine is programmed to automatically generate at least one of a dosage schedule and the encounter instruction data. 21. The system of claim 1, wherein the back office system comprises a dosage function that is programmed to determine a suggested dosage schedule in response to at least one of encounter response data and results data from the patient unit for at least the given encounter. 22. The system of claim 21, wherein the back office system comprises a caregiver user interface that is programmed to at least one of accept and modify the suggested dosage schedule based on a user input and generate corresponding dosage data that is stored in the remote database for retrieval by the patient unit as part of the given encounter. 23. A method for remote patient management, comprising:
initiating a given encounter at a patient unit in response to a user input provided at the patient unit; opening a two-way wireless communication channel between the patient unit and a remote database, such that the patient unit retrieves encounter instruction data for the given encounter, the encounter instruction data defining a sequence of steps to be executed at the patient unit for the given encounter; executing each of the sequence of steps at the patient unit, at least some of the sequence of steps requesting responses from the user to confirm compliance with the respective step and at least one of the sequence of steps corresponding to test subroutine; executing the test subroutine at the patient unit to receive results data indicative of a patient condition; sending response data for the given encounter from the patient unit to the remote database via a communication channel; and generating encounter instruction data for a next patient encounter at the patient unit based on the response data stored in the remote database for the given encounter, the encounter instruction data being stored in the remote database for retrieval by the patient unit for a next encounter. 24. The method of claim 23, further comprising receiving the results data at the patient unit via at least one of a communication link between the patient unit and a separate patient measurement device that is configured to measure the patient condition. 25. The method of claim 23, further comprising receiving the results data at the patient unit via a user input entered into to the patient unit via a user interface of the patient unit. 26. The method of claim 23, wherein the sequence of steps of the given encounter further comprises an update dosage sequence step, the method further comprising:
retrieving an updated dosage from the remote database and storing the updated dosage in memory of the patient unit during execution of the update dosage sequence step of the given encounter; and requesting that a user enter a confirmation response at the patient unit to indicate that the user has received the updated dosage for a next treatment interval. 27. The method of claim 23, wherein in response to evaluating at least one of the response data and results data for the given encounter at a back office system, the method further to determine a suggested dosage schedule for the patient. 28. The method of claim 27, further comprising providing a caregiver user interface that is programmed to at least one of accept and modify the suggested dosage schedule based on a user input from a caregiver; and
storing corresponding dosage data in the remote database; and retrieving the dosage data from the remote database by the patient unit as part of the given encounter. | A patient management system includes a patient unit that obtains results data from a patient device and provides for two-way communication between the patient unit and a remote database. The patient unit can communicate with the remote database to obtain encounter instruction data for a given encounter as well as to send response data for the given encounter. A back office system can also access the database to retrieve the patient data for one or more patient users. The back office system can further add or modify encounter instruction data for use during a next encounter at the patient unit. The back office system can also set a dosage for the patient that can be stored in the remote database and retrieved by the patient unit as part of the given encounter. The back office system may also employ a rules engine that can be programmed according to an established protocol and can automatically generate encounter instructions and dosage information for one or more patient.1. A patient monitoring system comprising:
a patient unit comprising:
a device interface configured to provide for data communication with a measurement device, the patient unit being programmed to selectively retrieve results data indicative of at least one patient condition from the measurement device;
a communication module configured to provide two-way communication via a network with a remote database, the communication module being configured to retrieve encounter instruction data for the patient unit from the remote database for a given patient encounter that includes at least one set of predetermined queries, the communication module also being configured to send response data to the remote database for the given patient encounter, the response data comprising at least one of stored user responses and the results data;
a user interface programmed to present at least one of the predetermined queries to a user and to receive user responses to the each of the predetermined queries for the given patient encounter, the user responses for each of the predetermined queries being stored in memory of the patient unit as the response data for the given encounter; and
a back office system programmed to access the remote database and to retrieve the response data from the remote database for at least one patient unit, the back office system further being programmed to at least one of add or modify the encounter instruction data that is stored in the remote database for a next patient encounter at the patient unit. 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the at least one patient condition comprises an indication of blood coagulation for the patient. 3. The system of claim 1, wherein the patient unit further comprises controls for selectively enabling the measurement device to operate according to a predefined sequence step of the given patient encounter based on the encounter instruction data. 4. The system of claim 1, wherein the patient unit further comprises controls for selectively enabling the measurement device to operate after at least a predetermined portion of a patient encounter has been completed. 5. The system of claim 4, wherein the patient unit further comprises controls configured to instruct the measurement device to at least one of control delivery of a therapy or dosage to the patient according to a predefined sequence step of the given patient encounter based on the encounter instruction data defined for a given patient protocol. 6. The system of claim 1, wherein the at least one patient condition is analyzed to ascertain compliance with a therapy or dosage for the given patient. 7. The system of claim 6, wherein the at least one patient condition is analyzed by at least one of the patient unit and the back office system to ascertain the compliance. 8. The system of claim 1, wherein the at least one patient condition comprises an information about an orthopedic condition for the patient. 9. The system of claim 1, wherein the patient unit is programmed to store the response data separately from the results data. 10. The system of claim 1, wherein the patient unit is programmed to employ the communication module to retrieve updated instruction data from the remote database in response the user initiating a new encounter. 11. The system of claim 6, wherein the patient unit comprises an encounter schedule that indicates when the given encounter is scheduled to begin, the encounter schedule being stored in the memory of the patient unit in response to schedule data retrieved from the remote database as part of a preceding encounter that was substantially completed prior to the given encounter. 12. The system of claim 1, wherein the patient unit comprises a test subroutine for controlling acquisition of the results data from the measurement device, the patient unit calling the test subroutine in response to executing a predefined sequence step the given encounter. 13. The system of claim 1, wherein the given encounter comprises a sequence of predefined steps according to an established protocol, at least a substantial portion of the sequence of predefined steps requesting a confirmation response to be entered into the patient unit via the user interface, wherein the response data for the given encounter further comprises an indication of the confirmation response to indicate the user's compliance or non-compliance with the established protocol. 14. The system of claim 13, wherein the sequence of predefined steps comprises an update dosage sequence step, the patient unit retrieving an updated dosage for the given encounter from the remote database during execution of the update dosage sequence step, the update dosage sequence step employing instructions requesting that the user enter a dosage confirmation response at the patient unit to indicate that the user has received the updated dosage for a next treatment interval. 15. The system of claim 1, wherein the patient unit further comprising an alarm function that generates an alert in response to an off-nominal condition or non-compliance being detected in at least one of the response data and the results data. 16. The system of claim 15, wherein the patient unit is programmed to generate a real time alert that is provided to a predefined recipient in response to detecting the off-nominal condition. 17. The system of claim 1, wherein the patient unit is configured as server in the network. 18. The system of claim 1, wherein the back office system comprises a rules engine that includes predetermined rules programmed according to a protocol, the back office system employing the rules to generate the encounter instruction data that is retrieved by the back office system during the given encounter. 19. The system of claim 18, wherein the predetermined rules are programmable via the back office system on a patient-by-patient basis to provide individualized care for at least two different patients. 20. The system of claim 18, wherein the rules engine is programmed to automatically generate at least one of a dosage schedule and the encounter instruction data. 21. The system of claim 1, wherein the back office system comprises a dosage function that is programmed to determine a suggested dosage schedule in response to at least one of encounter response data and results data from the patient unit for at least the given encounter. 22. The system of claim 21, wherein the back office system comprises a caregiver user interface that is programmed to at least one of accept and modify the suggested dosage schedule based on a user input and generate corresponding dosage data that is stored in the remote database for retrieval by the patient unit as part of the given encounter. 23. A method for remote patient management, comprising:
initiating a given encounter at a patient unit in response to a user input provided at the patient unit; opening a two-way wireless communication channel between the patient unit and a remote database, such that the patient unit retrieves encounter instruction data for the given encounter, the encounter instruction data defining a sequence of steps to be executed at the patient unit for the given encounter; executing each of the sequence of steps at the patient unit, at least some of the sequence of steps requesting responses from the user to confirm compliance with the respective step and at least one of the sequence of steps corresponding to test subroutine; executing the test subroutine at the patient unit to receive results data indicative of a patient condition; sending response data for the given encounter from the patient unit to the remote database via a communication channel; and generating encounter instruction data for a next patient encounter at the patient unit based on the response data stored in the remote database for the given encounter, the encounter instruction data being stored in the remote database for retrieval by the patient unit for a next encounter. 24. The method of claim 23, further comprising receiving the results data at the patient unit via at least one of a communication link between the patient unit and a separate patient measurement device that is configured to measure the patient condition. 25. The method of claim 23, further comprising receiving the results data at the patient unit via a user input entered into to the patient unit via a user interface of the patient unit. 26. The method of claim 23, wherein the sequence of steps of the given encounter further comprises an update dosage sequence step, the method further comprising:
retrieving an updated dosage from the remote database and storing the updated dosage in memory of the patient unit during execution of the update dosage sequence step of the given encounter; and requesting that a user enter a confirmation response at the patient unit to indicate that the user has received the updated dosage for a next treatment interval. 27. The method of claim 23, wherein in response to evaluating at least one of the response data and results data for the given encounter at a back office system, the method further to determine a suggested dosage schedule for the patient. 28. The method of claim 27, further comprising providing a caregiver user interface that is programmed to at least one of accept and modify the suggested dosage schedule based on a user input from a caregiver; and
storing corresponding dosage data in the remote database; and retrieving the dosage data from the remote database by the patient unit as part of the given encounter. | 3,600 |
12,755 | 12,755 | 14,080,448 | 3,622 | Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, for managing a campaign entity of different entity types. In an aspect, a system facilitates a workflow that enables the on-demand updating of a campaign entity from a first format (e.g., a legacy format) that supports of first feature set to a second format (e.g., a new or updated format) that supports a second feature set. | 1. A system, comprising:
a data processing apparatus including one or more computers; a computer storage system storing instructions that when executed by data processing apparatus cause the data processing apparatus to perform actions comprising:
accessing, through a content item management system, content item management data that includes a plurality of sitelink extensions that are each used by multiple different content item campaigns for distributing content items over a network; providing, to a user device, instructions that cause the user device to perform operations comprising:
displaying a feature management user interface in which a set of sitelink extensions that are available for use in a particular content item campaign are displayed in a first visualization format and are selectable within the feature management user interface, wherein at least a first portion of the set of sitelink extensions available for use in the particular content item campaign are stored in a first data format that supports a particular set of features that each provide a particular content item management or visualization functionality, and are represented in the first data format in the feature management user interface, wherein the first portion of the set of sitelink extensions stored in the first data format are being used in a different content item campaign according to a first feature set that is supported by a first sitelink version; and
in response to receiving a selection of a proper subset of the set of sitelink extensions, the proper subset including a particular sitelink extension that is selected for use in the particular content item campaign according to a second feature set that (i) is different from the first feature set, (ii) requires the particular sitelink extension to be updated to a second data format that is not supported by the first sitelink version and is different from the first data format, and (iii) includes features that each provide a particular content item management or visualization functionality that is different from each of the features in the first data format, causing the user device to send a request for an update of only the proper subset of the set of sitelink extensions and to display the particular sitelink extension in a second visualization format that is different from the first visualization format; and
in response to receiving the update request updating only the proper subset of the set of sitelink extensions to the second data format while maintaining sitelink extensions from the set of sitelink extensions that are not included in the proper subset in the first data format, including updating the particular sitelink extension by performing operations including:
generating, at the data processing apparatus, a new version of the particular sitelink extension in the second data format, that is different from the first data format, for use in the particular content item campaign;
storing, in the content item management data, the new version of the particular sitelink extension that is used by the particular content item campaign; and
distributing content that includes the new version of the particular sitelink extension in the particular content item campaign according to the second feature set, while maintaining sitelink extensions that are not included in the proper subset in the first data format, and while the particular sitelink extension continues to be used in the first data format by the different content item campaign after updating the particular sitelink extension to the new version of the particular sitelink extension. 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the instructions cause the data processing apparatus to perform operations further comprising:
determining whether the particular sitelink extension is to be continued to be used according to the first feature set that is supported by the first sitelink version; in response to determining that the particular sitelink extension is to be continued to be used according to the first feature set, maintaining the particular sitelink extension stored in the first format and the new version of the particular sitelink extension in the second format; and in response to determining that the particular sitelink extension is not to be continued to be used according to the first feature set, maintaining, of the particular sitelink extension and the new version of the particular sitelink extension, only the new version of the particular sitelink extension in the second format. 3. The system of claim 2, wherein the instructions cause the data processing apparatus to perform operations further comprising:
in response to determining that the particular sitelink extension is to be continued to be used according to the first feature set, sending data to the user device that causes the feature management user interface to display both the particular sitelink extension represented in the first visualization format and display the new version of the particular sitelink extension represented in the second visualization format; and in response to determining that the particular sitelink extension is not to be continued to be used according to the first feature set, sending data to the user device that causes the feature management user interface to display, of the particular sitelink extension and the new version of the particular sitelink extension, only the new version of the particular sitelink extension represented in the second visualization format. 4. The system of claim 1, wherein the set of sitelink extensions include sitelinks that are displayed with advertisements, and wherein updating the particular sitelink comprises enabling additional features that are not backwards compatible with the first format of the particular sitelink extension, wherein the additional features include one of reporting data on a per-sitelink basis or management of sitelinks on a per-sitelink basis. 5. The system of claim 1, further comprising a particular user device that receives the instructions that cause the user device to display the feature management user interface and send a request for an update of only the particular sitelink extension in response to receiving a selection of a proper subset of the set of sitelink extensions. 6-8. (canceled) 9. A computer implemented method, comprising:
accessing, through a content item management system, content item management data that includes a plurality of sitelink extensions that are each used by multiple different content item campaigns for distributing content items over a network; providing, to a user device, instructions that cause the user device to perform operations comprising:
displaying a feature management user interface in which a set of sitelink extensions that are available for use in a particular content item campaign are displayed in a first visualization format and are selectable within the feature management user interface, wherein at least a first portion of the set of sitelink extensions available for use in the particular content item campaign are stored in a first data format that supports a particular set of features that each provide a particular content item management or visualization functionality, and are represented in the first data format in the feature management user interface, wherein the first portion of the set of sitelink extensions stored in the first data format are being used in a different content item campaign according to a first feature set that is supported by a first sitelink version; and
in response to receiving a selection of a proper subset of the set of sitelink extensions, the proper subset including a particular sitelink extension that is selected for use in the particular content item campaign according to a second feature set that (i) is different from the first feature set, (ii) requires the particular sitelink extension to be updated to a second data format that is not supported by the first sitelink version and is different from the first data format, and (iii) includes features that each provide a particular content item management or visualization functionality that is different from each of the features in the first data format, causing the user device to send a request for an update of only the proper subset of the set of sitelink extensions and to display the particular sitelink extension in a second visualization format that is different from the first visualization format; and
in response to receiving the update request updating only the proper subset of the set of sitelink extensions to the second data format while maintaining sitelink extensions from the set of sitelink extensions that are not included in the proper subset in the first data format, including updating the particular sitelink extension by performing operations including:
generating, at the data processing apparatus, a new version of the particular sitelink extension in the second data format, that is different from the first data format, for use in the particular content item campaign;
storing, in the content item management data, the new version of the particular sitelink extension that is used by the particular content item campaign; and
distributing content that includes the new version of the particular sitelink extension in the particular content item campaign according to the second feature set, while maintaining sitelink extensions that are not included in the proper subset in the first data format, and while the particular sitelink extension continues to be used in the first data format by the different content item campaign after updating the particular sitelink extension to the new version of the particular sitelink extension. 10. The computer implemented method of claim 9, further comprising:
determining whether the particular sitelink extension is to be continued to be used according to the first feature set; in response to determining that the particular sitelink extension is to be continued to be used according to the first feature set, maintaining the particular sitelink extension stored in the first format and the new version of the particular sitelink extension in the second format; and in response to determining that the particular sitelink extension is not to be continued to be used according to the first feature set, maintaining, of the particular sitelink extension and the new version of the particular sitelink extension, only the new version of the particular sitelink extension in the second format. 11. The computer implemented method of claim 10, further comprising:
in response to determining that the particular sitelink extension is to be continued to be used according to the first feature set, sending data to the user device that causes the feature management user interface to display both the particular sitelink extension represented in the first visualization format and display the new version of the particular sitelink extension represented in the second visualization format; and in response to determining that the particular sitelink extension is not to be continued to be used according to the first feature set, sending data to the user device that causes the feature management user interface to display, of the particular sitelink extension and the new version of the particular sitelink extension, only the new version of the particular sitelink extension represented in the second visualization format. 12. The computer implemented method of claim 9, wherein set of sitelink extensions include sitelinks that are displayed with advertisements, and wherein updating the particular sitelink comprises enabling additional features that are not backwards compatible with the first format of the particular sitelink extension, wherein the additional features include one of reporting data on a per-sitelink basis or management of sitelinks on a per-sitelink basis. 13-18. (canceled) 19. A non-transitory computer storage system storing instructions that when executed by a data processing apparatus cause a data processing apparatus to perform operations comprising:
accessing, through a content item management system, content item management data that includes a plurality of sitelink extensions that are each used by multiple different content item campaigns for distributing content items over a network; providing, to a user device, instructions that cause the user device to perform operations comprising:
displaying a feature management user interface in which a set of sitelink extensions that are available for use in a particular content item campaign are displayed in a first visualization format and are selectable within the feature management user interface, wherein at least a first portion of the set of sitelink extensions available for use in the particular content item campaign are stored in a first data format that supports a particular set of features that each provide a particular content item management or visualization functionality, and are represented in the first data format in the feature management user interface, wherein the first portion of the set of sitelink extensions stored in the first data format are being used in a different content item campaign according to a first feature set that is supported by a first sitelink version; and
in response to receiving a selection of a proper subset of the set of sitelink extensions, the proper subset including a particular sitelink extension that is selected for use in the particular content item campaign according to a second feature set that (i) is different from the first feature set, (ii) requires the particular sitelink extension to be updated to a second data format that is not supported by the first sitelink version and is different from the first data format, and (iii) includes features that each provide a particular content item management or visualization functionality that is different from each of the features in the first data format, causing the user device to send a request for an update of only the proper subset of the set of sitelink extensions and to display the particular sitelink extension in a second visualization format that is different from the first visualization format; and
in response to receiving the update request updating only the proper subset of the set of sitelink extensions to the second data format while maintaining sitelink extensions from the set of sitelink extensions that are not included in the proper subset in the first data format, including updating the particular sitelink extension by performing operations including:
generating, at the data processing apparatus, a new version of the particular sitelink extension in the second data format, that is different from the first data format, for use in the particular content item campaign;
storing, in the content item management data, the new version of the particular sitelink extension that is used by the particular content item campaign; and
distributing content that includes the new version of the particular sitelink extension in the particular content item campaign according to the second feature set, while maintaining sitelink extensions that are not included in the proper subset in the first data format, and while the particular sitelink extension continues to be used in the first data format by the different content item campaign after updating the particular sitelink extension to the new version of the particular sitelink extension. 20. The non-transitory computer storage system of claim 19, wherein the instructions cause the data processing apparatus to perform operations further comprising:
in response to determining that the particular sitelink extension is to be continued to be used according to the first feature set, sending data to the user device that causes the feature management user interface to display both the particular sitelink extension represented in the first visualization format and display the new version of the particular sitelink extension represented in the second visualization format; and in response to determining that the particular sitelink extension is not to be continued to be used according to the first feature set, sending data to the user device that causes the feature management user interface to display, of the particular sitelink extension and the new version of the particular sitelink extension, only the new version of the particular sitelink extension represented in the second visualization format. 21. The non-transitory computer storage system of claim 19, wherein the set of sitelink extensions include sitelinks that are displayed with advertisements. 22. The non-transitory computer storage system of claim 19, wherein updating the particular sitelink comprises enabling additional features that are not backwards compatible with the first format of the particular sitelink extension. 23. The non-transitory computer storage system of claim 22, wherein the additional features include one of reporting data on a per-sitelink basis or management of sitelinks on a per-sitelink basis. | Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, for managing a campaign entity of different entity types. In an aspect, a system facilitates a workflow that enables the on-demand updating of a campaign entity from a first format (e.g., a legacy format) that supports of first feature set to a second format (e.g., a new or updated format) that supports a second feature set.1. A system, comprising:
a data processing apparatus including one or more computers; a computer storage system storing instructions that when executed by data processing apparatus cause the data processing apparatus to perform actions comprising:
accessing, through a content item management system, content item management data that includes a plurality of sitelink extensions that are each used by multiple different content item campaigns for distributing content items over a network; providing, to a user device, instructions that cause the user device to perform operations comprising:
displaying a feature management user interface in which a set of sitelink extensions that are available for use in a particular content item campaign are displayed in a first visualization format and are selectable within the feature management user interface, wherein at least a first portion of the set of sitelink extensions available for use in the particular content item campaign are stored in a first data format that supports a particular set of features that each provide a particular content item management or visualization functionality, and are represented in the first data format in the feature management user interface, wherein the first portion of the set of sitelink extensions stored in the first data format are being used in a different content item campaign according to a first feature set that is supported by a first sitelink version; and
in response to receiving a selection of a proper subset of the set of sitelink extensions, the proper subset including a particular sitelink extension that is selected for use in the particular content item campaign according to a second feature set that (i) is different from the first feature set, (ii) requires the particular sitelink extension to be updated to a second data format that is not supported by the first sitelink version and is different from the first data format, and (iii) includes features that each provide a particular content item management or visualization functionality that is different from each of the features in the first data format, causing the user device to send a request for an update of only the proper subset of the set of sitelink extensions and to display the particular sitelink extension in a second visualization format that is different from the first visualization format; and
in response to receiving the update request updating only the proper subset of the set of sitelink extensions to the second data format while maintaining sitelink extensions from the set of sitelink extensions that are not included in the proper subset in the first data format, including updating the particular sitelink extension by performing operations including:
generating, at the data processing apparatus, a new version of the particular sitelink extension in the second data format, that is different from the first data format, for use in the particular content item campaign;
storing, in the content item management data, the new version of the particular sitelink extension that is used by the particular content item campaign; and
distributing content that includes the new version of the particular sitelink extension in the particular content item campaign according to the second feature set, while maintaining sitelink extensions that are not included in the proper subset in the first data format, and while the particular sitelink extension continues to be used in the first data format by the different content item campaign after updating the particular sitelink extension to the new version of the particular sitelink extension. 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the instructions cause the data processing apparatus to perform operations further comprising:
determining whether the particular sitelink extension is to be continued to be used according to the first feature set that is supported by the first sitelink version; in response to determining that the particular sitelink extension is to be continued to be used according to the first feature set, maintaining the particular sitelink extension stored in the first format and the new version of the particular sitelink extension in the second format; and in response to determining that the particular sitelink extension is not to be continued to be used according to the first feature set, maintaining, of the particular sitelink extension and the new version of the particular sitelink extension, only the new version of the particular sitelink extension in the second format. 3. The system of claim 2, wherein the instructions cause the data processing apparatus to perform operations further comprising:
in response to determining that the particular sitelink extension is to be continued to be used according to the first feature set, sending data to the user device that causes the feature management user interface to display both the particular sitelink extension represented in the first visualization format and display the new version of the particular sitelink extension represented in the second visualization format; and in response to determining that the particular sitelink extension is not to be continued to be used according to the first feature set, sending data to the user device that causes the feature management user interface to display, of the particular sitelink extension and the new version of the particular sitelink extension, only the new version of the particular sitelink extension represented in the second visualization format. 4. The system of claim 1, wherein the set of sitelink extensions include sitelinks that are displayed with advertisements, and wherein updating the particular sitelink comprises enabling additional features that are not backwards compatible with the first format of the particular sitelink extension, wherein the additional features include one of reporting data on a per-sitelink basis or management of sitelinks on a per-sitelink basis. 5. The system of claim 1, further comprising a particular user device that receives the instructions that cause the user device to display the feature management user interface and send a request for an update of only the particular sitelink extension in response to receiving a selection of a proper subset of the set of sitelink extensions. 6-8. (canceled) 9. A computer implemented method, comprising:
accessing, through a content item management system, content item management data that includes a plurality of sitelink extensions that are each used by multiple different content item campaigns for distributing content items over a network; providing, to a user device, instructions that cause the user device to perform operations comprising:
displaying a feature management user interface in which a set of sitelink extensions that are available for use in a particular content item campaign are displayed in a first visualization format and are selectable within the feature management user interface, wherein at least a first portion of the set of sitelink extensions available for use in the particular content item campaign are stored in a first data format that supports a particular set of features that each provide a particular content item management or visualization functionality, and are represented in the first data format in the feature management user interface, wherein the first portion of the set of sitelink extensions stored in the first data format are being used in a different content item campaign according to a first feature set that is supported by a first sitelink version; and
in response to receiving a selection of a proper subset of the set of sitelink extensions, the proper subset including a particular sitelink extension that is selected for use in the particular content item campaign according to a second feature set that (i) is different from the first feature set, (ii) requires the particular sitelink extension to be updated to a second data format that is not supported by the first sitelink version and is different from the first data format, and (iii) includes features that each provide a particular content item management or visualization functionality that is different from each of the features in the first data format, causing the user device to send a request for an update of only the proper subset of the set of sitelink extensions and to display the particular sitelink extension in a second visualization format that is different from the first visualization format; and
in response to receiving the update request updating only the proper subset of the set of sitelink extensions to the second data format while maintaining sitelink extensions from the set of sitelink extensions that are not included in the proper subset in the first data format, including updating the particular sitelink extension by performing operations including:
generating, at the data processing apparatus, a new version of the particular sitelink extension in the second data format, that is different from the first data format, for use in the particular content item campaign;
storing, in the content item management data, the new version of the particular sitelink extension that is used by the particular content item campaign; and
distributing content that includes the new version of the particular sitelink extension in the particular content item campaign according to the second feature set, while maintaining sitelink extensions that are not included in the proper subset in the first data format, and while the particular sitelink extension continues to be used in the first data format by the different content item campaign after updating the particular sitelink extension to the new version of the particular sitelink extension. 10. The computer implemented method of claim 9, further comprising:
determining whether the particular sitelink extension is to be continued to be used according to the first feature set; in response to determining that the particular sitelink extension is to be continued to be used according to the first feature set, maintaining the particular sitelink extension stored in the first format and the new version of the particular sitelink extension in the second format; and in response to determining that the particular sitelink extension is not to be continued to be used according to the first feature set, maintaining, of the particular sitelink extension and the new version of the particular sitelink extension, only the new version of the particular sitelink extension in the second format. 11. The computer implemented method of claim 10, further comprising:
in response to determining that the particular sitelink extension is to be continued to be used according to the first feature set, sending data to the user device that causes the feature management user interface to display both the particular sitelink extension represented in the first visualization format and display the new version of the particular sitelink extension represented in the second visualization format; and in response to determining that the particular sitelink extension is not to be continued to be used according to the first feature set, sending data to the user device that causes the feature management user interface to display, of the particular sitelink extension and the new version of the particular sitelink extension, only the new version of the particular sitelink extension represented in the second visualization format. 12. The computer implemented method of claim 9, wherein set of sitelink extensions include sitelinks that are displayed with advertisements, and wherein updating the particular sitelink comprises enabling additional features that are not backwards compatible with the first format of the particular sitelink extension, wherein the additional features include one of reporting data on a per-sitelink basis or management of sitelinks on a per-sitelink basis. 13-18. (canceled) 19. A non-transitory computer storage system storing instructions that when executed by a data processing apparatus cause a data processing apparatus to perform operations comprising:
accessing, through a content item management system, content item management data that includes a plurality of sitelink extensions that are each used by multiple different content item campaigns for distributing content items over a network; providing, to a user device, instructions that cause the user device to perform operations comprising:
displaying a feature management user interface in which a set of sitelink extensions that are available for use in a particular content item campaign are displayed in a first visualization format and are selectable within the feature management user interface, wherein at least a first portion of the set of sitelink extensions available for use in the particular content item campaign are stored in a first data format that supports a particular set of features that each provide a particular content item management or visualization functionality, and are represented in the first data format in the feature management user interface, wherein the first portion of the set of sitelink extensions stored in the first data format are being used in a different content item campaign according to a first feature set that is supported by a first sitelink version; and
in response to receiving a selection of a proper subset of the set of sitelink extensions, the proper subset including a particular sitelink extension that is selected for use in the particular content item campaign according to a second feature set that (i) is different from the first feature set, (ii) requires the particular sitelink extension to be updated to a second data format that is not supported by the first sitelink version and is different from the first data format, and (iii) includes features that each provide a particular content item management or visualization functionality that is different from each of the features in the first data format, causing the user device to send a request for an update of only the proper subset of the set of sitelink extensions and to display the particular sitelink extension in a second visualization format that is different from the first visualization format; and
in response to receiving the update request updating only the proper subset of the set of sitelink extensions to the second data format while maintaining sitelink extensions from the set of sitelink extensions that are not included in the proper subset in the first data format, including updating the particular sitelink extension by performing operations including:
generating, at the data processing apparatus, a new version of the particular sitelink extension in the second data format, that is different from the first data format, for use in the particular content item campaign;
storing, in the content item management data, the new version of the particular sitelink extension that is used by the particular content item campaign; and
distributing content that includes the new version of the particular sitelink extension in the particular content item campaign according to the second feature set, while maintaining sitelink extensions that are not included in the proper subset in the first data format, and while the particular sitelink extension continues to be used in the first data format by the different content item campaign after updating the particular sitelink extension to the new version of the particular sitelink extension. 20. The non-transitory computer storage system of claim 19, wherein the instructions cause the data processing apparatus to perform operations further comprising:
in response to determining that the particular sitelink extension is to be continued to be used according to the first feature set, sending data to the user device that causes the feature management user interface to display both the particular sitelink extension represented in the first visualization format and display the new version of the particular sitelink extension represented in the second visualization format; and in response to determining that the particular sitelink extension is not to be continued to be used according to the first feature set, sending data to the user device that causes the feature management user interface to display, of the particular sitelink extension and the new version of the particular sitelink extension, only the new version of the particular sitelink extension represented in the second visualization format. 21. The non-transitory computer storage system of claim 19, wherein the set of sitelink extensions include sitelinks that are displayed with advertisements. 22. The non-transitory computer storage system of claim 19, wherein updating the particular sitelink comprises enabling additional features that are not backwards compatible with the first format of the particular sitelink extension. 23. The non-transitory computer storage system of claim 22, wherein the additional features include one of reporting data on a per-sitelink basis or management of sitelinks on a per-sitelink basis. | 3,600 |
12,756 | 12,756 | 11,857,915 | 3,694 | Methods and system are provided herewith for providing information services. A data service in according with the methods and systems disclosed herein may provide content for the data service and/or may provide content to subscribers via the service and the content provider may provide a credit or other benefit to the content provider. | 1. A method, comprising
a. receiving a fee from at least one user; b. providing content to the users from whom a fee is received; c. receiving content from at least one user from whom a fee is received; and d. providing a benefit to the users from whom content is received based at least in part on the content received from the user. e. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the benefit is a credit against the fee received from the user. 3. The method of claim 2, wherein the credit is a fraction of the fee received from the user. 4. The method of claim 2, where in the credit may not exceed a certain limit. 5. The method of claim 1, wherein c) comprises receiving content from at least one user from whom a certain type of fee is received. 6. The method of claim 5, wherein the fee is a subscription fee. 7. The method of claim 5, wherein the fee is a maximum fee. 8. The method of claim 1, wherein the content is selected from the group consisting of: video, audio, podcast, transaction data, chat rooms, analysis, research, articles, rumors, market data, news, modeling systems, advertising, games, weather reports and forecasts, and “cleaned” data. 9. The method of claim 1, further comprising e) cleaning the content received from users. 10. The method of claim 1, further comprising e) sending the content to an entity to be cleaned and f) receiving the cleaned content from said entity. 11. The method of claim 1, further comprising e) displaying the content. 12. The method of claim 1, further comprising e) receiving ratings of the content and f) displaying the received ratings. 13. A method, comprising
a. receiving content from at least one user; b. providing a benefit to the users from whom content is received based at least in part on the content received from the user; and c. providing content to the users only if a condition is met. d. 14. A method, comprising
a. paying a fee; b. viewing content in return for paying the fee; c. providing content in return for paying the fee; and d. receiving a benefit based at least in part on the content provided. 15. A method, comprising
a. providing content; b. receiving a benefit based at least in part on the content provided; and c. viewing content only if a condition is met. | Methods and system are provided herewith for providing information services. A data service in according with the methods and systems disclosed herein may provide content for the data service and/or may provide content to subscribers via the service and the content provider may provide a credit or other benefit to the content provider.1. A method, comprising
a. receiving a fee from at least one user; b. providing content to the users from whom a fee is received; c. receiving content from at least one user from whom a fee is received; and d. providing a benefit to the users from whom content is received based at least in part on the content received from the user. e. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the benefit is a credit against the fee received from the user. 3. The method of claim 2, wherein the credit is a fraction of the fee received from the user. 4. The method of claim 2, where in the credit may not exceed a certain limit. 5. The method of claim 1, wherein c) comprises receiving content from at least one user from whom a certain type of fee is received. 6. The method of claim 5, wherein the fee is a subscription fee. 7. The method of claim 5, wherein the fee is a maximum fee. 8. The method of claim 1, wherein the content is selected from the group consisting of: video, audio, podcast, transaction data, chat rooms, analysis, research, articles, rumors, market data, news, modeling systems, advertising, games, weather reports and forecasts, and “cleaned” data. 9. The method of claim 1, further comprising e) cleaning the content received from users. 10. The method of claim 1, further comprising e) sending the content to an entity to be cleaned and f) receiving the cleaned content from said entity. 11. The method of claim 1, further comprising e) displaying the content. 12. The method of claim 1, further comprising e) receiving ratings of the content and f) displaying the received ratings. 13. A method, comprising
a. receiving content from at least one user; b. providing a benefit to the users from whom content is received based at least in part on the content received from the user; and c. providing content to the users only if a condition is met. d. 14. A method, comprising
a. paying a fee; b. viewing content in return for paying the fee; c. providing content in return for paying the fee; and d. receiving a benefit based at least in part on the content provided. 15. A method, comprising
a. providing content; b. receiving a benefit based at least in part on the content provided; and c. viewing content only if a condition is met. | 3,600 |
12,757 | 12,757 | 12,816,356 | 3,685 | An electronic payment transaction involves operating a gateway device in an electronic payment system to receive first encrypted transaction data from a merchant device, wherein the first encrypted transaction data is encrypted by means of a merchant device-specific encrypting key. Decrypted transaction data is produced by using a merchant device-specific decrypting key to decrypt the first encrypted transaction data. Second encrypted transaction data is derived from the decrypted transaction data, wherein the second encrypted transaction data is encrypted by means of a gateway device-specific encrypting key. The gateway device communicates the second encrypted transaction data to another electronic payment system server. A key transmission block received from the merchant device includes information that enables the gateway device to derive the merchant device-specific decryption key. | 1. A method of performing an electronic payment transaction comprising:
operating a gateway device to receive first encrypted transaction data from a merchant device, wherein the first encrypted transaction data is encrypted by means of a merchant device-specific encrypting key; operating the gateway device to produce decrypted transaction data by using a merchant device-specific decrypting key to decrypt the first encrypted transaction data; operating the gateway device to derive second encrypted transaction data from at least a portion of the decrypted transaction data, wherein the second encrypted transaction data is encrypted by means of a host-specific encrypting key; and operating the gateway device to communicate the second encrypted transaction data to another host device. 2. The method of claim 1, comprising:
operating the gateway device to receive a key transmission block from the merchant device, wherein the key transmission block includes an encrypted copy of the merchant device-specific decrypting key and one or more key-related parameters; operating the gateway device to use the one or more key-related parameters to derive a decrypting key that is associated with the gateway device; and using the decrypting key that is associated with the gateway device to decrypt the encrypted copy of the merchant device-specific decrypting key, thereby making the merchant device-specific decrypting key available for use in the step of using the merchant device-specific decrypting key to decrypt the first encrypted transaction data. 3. The method of claim 2, wherein the decrypting key associated with the gateway device is an asymmetric private key of the gateway device. 4. The method of claim 1, wherein the merchant device-specific encrypting key is the same as the merchant device-specific decrypting key. 5. A method of performing an electronic payment transaction comprising:
operating a merchant device to receive sensitive user data; operating the merchant device to form encrypted sensitive user data by encrypting the sensitive user data using a merchant device-specific encrypting key; forming encrypted transaction data, wherein the encrypted transaction data includes the encrypted sensitive user data; using an encrypting key associated with a gateway device of an electronic payment system to encrypt a merchant device-specific decrypting key; forming a key transmission block, wherein the key transmission block comprises the encrypted merchant device-specific decrypting key; communicating the encrypted transaction data and the key transmission block to the gateway device of the electronic payment system. 6. The method of claim 5, wherein the merchant device-specific encrypting key is the same as the merchant device-specific decrypting key. 7. The method of claim 5, wherein the encrypting key associated with the gateway device of the electronic payment system is an asymmetric key. 8. The method of claim 5, further comprising:
forming encrypted sensitive non-user data by encrypting sensitive non-user data using the merchant device-specific encrypting key, wherein the encrypted transaction data further includes the encrypted sensitive non-user data. 9. The method of claim 8, wherein the sensitive non-user data includes a merchant identifier. 10. A gateway server for use in an electronic payment transaction system, the gateway server comprising:
circuitry configured to receive first encrypted transaction data from a merchant device, wherein the first encrypted transaction data is encrypted by means of a merchant device-specific encrypting key; circuitry configured to produce decrypted transaction data by using a merchant device-specific decrypting key to decrypt the first encrypted transaction data; circuitry configured to derive second encrypted transaction data from at least a portion of the decrypted transaction data, wherein the second encrypted transaction data is encrypted by means of a host-specific encrypting key; and circuitry configured to communicate the second encrypted transaction data to another server of the electronic payment system. 11. The gateway server of claim 10, comprising:
circuitry configured to receive a key transmission block from the merchant device, wherein the key transmission block includes an encrypted copy of the merchant device-specific decrypting key and one or more key-related parameters; circuitry configured to use the one or more key-related parameters to derive a decrypting key that is associated with the gateway server; and circuitry configured to use the decrypting key that is associated with the gateway server to decrypt the encrypted copy of the merchant device-specific decrypting key, thereby making the merchant device-specific decrypting key available for use in the step of using the merchant device-specific decrypting key to decrypt the first encrypted transaction data. 12. The gateway server of claim 11, wherein the decrypting key associated with the gateway server is an asymmetric private key of the gateway server. 13. The gateway server of claim 10, wherein the merchant device-specific encrypting key is the same as the merchant device-specific decrypting key. 14. A merchant device for use in an electronic payment system, the merchant device comprising:
circuitry configured to receive sensitive user data; circuitry configured to form encrypted sensitive user data by encrypting the sensitive user data using a merchant device-specific encrypting key; circuitry configured to form encrypted transaction data, wherein the encrypted transaction data includes the encrypted sensitive user data; circuitry configured to use an encrypting key associated with a gateway device of an electronic payment system to encrypt a merchant device-specific decrypting key; circuitry configured to form a key transmission block, wherein the key transmission block comprises the encrypted merchant device-specific decrypting key; circuitry configured to communicate the encrypted transaction data and the key transmission block to the gateway device of the electronic payment system. 15. The merchant device of claim 14, wherein the merchant device-specific encrypting key is the same as the merchant device-specific decrypting key. 16. The merchant device of claim 14, wherein the encrypting key associated with the gateway device of the electronic payment system is an asymmetric key. 17. The merchant device of claim 14, further comprising:
circuitry configured to form encrypted sensitive non-user data by encrypting sensitive non-user data using the merchant device-specific encrypting key, wherein the encrypted transaction data further includes the encrypted sensitive non-user data. 18. The merchant device of claim 17, wherein the sensitive non-user data includes a merchant identifier. 19. A system for the performance of an electronic payment transaction, comprising:
a gateway device configured to receive a first encrypted transaction data and a key transmission block from a merchant device, the first encrypted transaction data produced by encrypting transaction data with a merchant device-specific encrypting key and the key transmission block including an encrypted copy of a merchant device-specific decrypting key and one or more key related parameters, the gateway device being further configured to produce a decrypted transaction data by using an associated private key derived, at least in part, from the one or more key related parameters, to decrypt the encrypted copy of the merchant device-specific decrypting key, wherein the gateway device produces a second encrypted transaction data by encrypting the decrypted transaction data using a gateway device-specific key and is configured to transmit the second encrypted transaction data; and a host device configured to receive and use the second encrypted transaction data for the performance of credit transaction processing operations, wherein the host device is configured to produce and store a second decrypted transaction data derived by decrypting the second encrypted transaction data and to transmit at least one of the second encrypted transaction data and the second decrypted transaction data. 20. The system of claim 19, wherein:
the host device is further configured to use a host encrypting key to produce third encrypted data from the second decrypted transaction data, wherein the third encrypted data can be decrypted by means of a host decrypting key; the host device is further configured to use an encrypting key associated with an authorization/settlement server to encrypt the host decrypting key and to include the encrypted host decrypting key in a second key transmission block; and the host device is further configured to communicate the third encrypted data and the second key transmission block to the authorization/settlement server. | An electronic payment transaction involves operating a gateway device in an electronic payment system to receive first encrypted transaction data from a merchant device, wherein the first encrypted transaction data is encrypted by means of a merchant device-specific encrypting key. Decrypted transaction data is produced by using a merchant device-specific decrypting key to decrypt the first encrypted transaction data. Second encrypted transaction data is derived from the decrypted transaction data, wherein the second encrypted transaction data is encrypted by means of a gateway device-specific encrypting key. The gateway device communicates the second encrypted transaction data to another electronic payment system server. A key transmission block received from the merchant device includes information that enables the gateway device to derive the merchant device-specific decryption key.1. A method of performing an electronic payment transaction comprising:
operating a gateway device to receive first encrypted transaction data from a merchant device, wherein the first encrypted transaction data is encrypted by means of a merchant device-specific encrypting key; operating the gateway device to produce decrypted transaction data by using a merchant device-specific decrypting key to decrypt the first encrypted transaction data; operating the gateway device to derive second encrypted transaction data from at least a portion of the decrypted transaction data, wherein the second encrypted transaction data is encrypted by means of a host-specific encrypting key; and operating the gateway device to communicate the second encrypted transaction data to another host device. 2. The method of claim 1, comprising:
operating the gateway device to receive a key transmission block from the merchant device, wherein the key transmission block includes an encrypted copy of the merchant device-specific decrypting key and one or more key-related parameters; operating the gateway device to use the one or more key-related parameters to derive a decrypting key that is associated with the gateway device; and using the decrypting key that is associated with the gateway device to decrypt the encrypted copy of the merchant device-specific decrypting key, thereby making the merchant device-specific decrypting key available for use in the step of using the merchant device-specific decrypting key to decrypt the first encrypted transaction data. 3. The method of claim 2, wherein the decrypting key associated with the gateway device is an asymmetric private key of the gateway device. 4. The method of claim 1, wherein the merchant device-specific encrypting key is the same as the merchant device-specific decrypting key. 5. A method of performing an electronic payment transaction comprising:
operating a merchant device to receive sensitive user data; operating the merchant device to form encrypted sensitive user data by encrypting the sensitive user data using a merchant device-specific encrypting key; forming encrypted transaction data, wherein the encrypted transaction data includes the encrypted sensitive user data; using an encrypting key associated with a gateway device of an electronic payment system to encrypt a merchant device-specific decrypting key; forming a key transmission block, wherein the key transmission block comprises the encrypted merchant device-specific decrypting key; communicating the encrypted transaction data and the key transmission block to the gateway device of the electronic payment system. 6. The method of claim 5, wherein the merchant device-specific encrypting key is the same as the merchant device-specific decrypting key. 7. The method of claim 5, wherein the encrypting key associated with the gateway device of the electronic payment system is an asymmetric key. 8. The method of claim 5, further comprising:
forming encrypted sensitive non-user data by encrypting sensitive non-user data using the merchant device-specific encrypting key, wherein the encrypted transaction data further includes the encrypted sensitive non-user data. 9. The method of claim 8, wherein the sensitive non-user data includes a merchant identifier. 10. A gateway server for use in an electronic payment transaction system, the gateway server comprising:
circuitry configured to receive first encrypted transaction data from a merchant device, wherein the first encrypted transaction data is encrypted by means of a merchant device-specific encrypting key; circuitry configured to produce decrypted transaction data by using a merchant device-specific decrypting key to decrypt the first encrypted transaction data; circuitry configured to derive second encrypted transaction data from at least a portion of the decrypted transaction data, wherein the second encrypted transaction data is encrypted by means of a host-specific encrypting key; and circuitry configured to communicate the second encrypted transaction data to another server of the electronic payment system. 11. The gateway server of claim 10, comprising:
circuitry configured to receive a key transmission block from the merchant device, wherein the key transmission block includes an encrypted copy of the merchant device-specific decrypting key and one or more key-related parameters; circuitry configured to use the one or more key-related parameters to derive a decrypting key that is associated with the gateway server; and circuitry configured to use the decrypting key that is associated with the gateway server to decrypt the encrypted copy of the merchant device-specific decrypting key, thereby making the merchant device-specific decrypting key available for use in the step of using the merchant device-specific decrypting key to decrypt the first encrypted transaction data. 12. The gateway server of claim 11, wherein the decrypting key associated with the gateway server is an asymmetric private key of the gateway server. 13. The gateway server of claim 10, wherein the merchant device-specific encrypting key is the same as the merchant device-specific decrypting key. 14. A merchant device for use in an electronic payment system, the merchant device comprising:
circuitry configured to receive sensitive user data; circuitry configured to form encrypted sensitive user data by encrypting the sensitive user data using a merchant device-specific encrypting key; circuitry configured to form encrypted transaction data, wherein the encrypted transaction data includes the encrypted sensitive user data; circuitry configured to use an encrypting key associated with a gateway device of an electronic payment system to encrypt a merchant device-specific decrypting key; circuitry configured to form a key transmission block, wherein the key transmission block comprises the encrypted merchant device-specific decrypting key; circuitry configured to communicate the encrypted transaction data and the key transmission block to the gateway device of the electronic payment system. 15. The merchant device of claim 14, wherein the merchant device-specific encrypting key is the same as the merchant device-specific decrypting key. 16. The merchant device of claim 14, wherein the encrypting key associated with the gateway device of the electronic payment system is an asymmetric key. 17. The merchant device of claim 14, further comprising:
circuitry configured to form encrypted sensitive non-user data by encrypting sensitive non-user data using the merchant device-specific encrypting key, wherein the encrypted transaction data further includes the encrypted sensitive non-user data. 18. The merchant device of claim 17, wherein the sensitive non-user data includes a merchant identifier. 19. A system for the performance of an electronic payment transaction, comprising:
a gateway device configured to receive a first encrypted transaction data and a key transmission block from a merchant device, the first encrypted transaction data produced by encrypting transaction data with a merchant device-specific encrypting key and the key transmission block including an encrypted copy of a merchant device-specific decrypting key and one or more key related parameters, the gateway device being further configured to produce a decrypted transaction data by using an associated private key derived, at least in part, from the one or more key related parameters, to decrypt the encrypted copy of the merchant device-specific decrypting key, wherein the gateway device produces a second encrypted transaction data by encrypting the decrypted transaction data using a gateway device-specific key and is configured to transmit the second encrypted transaction data; and a host device configured to receive and use the second encrypted transaction data for the performance of credit transaction processing operations, wherein the host device is configured to produce and store a second decrypted transaction data derived by decrypting the second encrypted transaction data and to transmit at least one of the second encrypted transaction data and the second decrypted transaction data. 20. The system of claim 19, wherein:
the host device is further configured to use a host encrypting key to produce third encrypted data from the second decrypted transaction data, wherein the third encrypted data can be decrypted by means of a host decrypting key; the host device is further configured to use an encrypting key associated with an authorization/settlement server to encrypt the host decrypting key and to include the encrypted host decrypting key in a second key transmission block; and the host device is further configured to communicate the third encrypted data and the second key transmission block to the authorization/settlement server. | 3,600 |
12,758 | 12,758 | 11,152,040 | 3,681 | Systems, methods, and machine-readable mediums are disclosed for strategic communications. In one embodiment, the strategic communications system comprises a rules data store including a decision rule, a recipient data store including recipient data for a plurality of recipients, and decision logic configured to determine for each of the recipients whether to include a decision-based component on the correspondence for the respective recipient based at least on the decision rule and the data associated with the respective recipient. The strategic communications system further includes correspondence manager logic to format the correspondence for each of the recipients and a printer including a selective perforation module to selectively add the perforation to the correspondences including the decision-based component. | 1. A strategic communications system comprising:
a rules data store including a decision rule; a recipient data store including recipient data for a plurality of recipients of a correspondence; decision logic, communicatively coupled with the rules data store and the recipient data store, to determine for each of the recipients whether to include a decision-based component on the correspondence for the respective recipient based at least in part on the decision rule and the data associated with the respective recipient; correspondence manager logic, communicatively coupled with the decision logic, to format the correspondence for each of the recipients; and a printer, communicatively coupled with the correspondence manager logic, the printer including a selective perforation module to selectively add a perforation to the correspondences including the decision-based component. 2. The strategic communications system of claim 1, wherein the correspondences comprise a bill. 3. The strategic communications system of claim 1, wherein the decision-based component comprises a coupon. 4. The strategic communications system of claim 1, wherein the decision-based component comprises a check. 5. The strategic communications system of claim 1, wherein the printer further includes a MICR component to selectively add MICR information to the correspondences including the check. 6. The strategic communications system of claim 1 wherein the rules data store further includes a rule for inserting a color component and wherein the decision logic is further configured to determine for at least a subset of the correspondences whether to include the color component. 7. The strategic communications system of claim 6, wherein the printer further comprises at least one color module to selectively apply color to each of the correspondences including the color component. 8. The strategic communications system of claim 1, wherein the decision rule includes a condition for one of a recipient credit limit, a recipient account balance, and a recipient account type. 9. The strategic communications system of claim 1, wherein the decision rule includes a condition for a purchase of a product, the recipient data indicating recipients that purchased the product. 10. The strategic communications system of claim 1, wherein the correspondence manager logic is further configured to create and format electronic correspondences for a second subset of recipients. 11. The strategic communications system of claim 10, further comprising an electronic messaging system to deliver the electronic correspondences. 12. The strategic communications system of claim 11, wherein the electronic messaging system includes tracking data indicating whether one or more of the recipients in the second set opened the respective electronic correspondence. 13. The strategic communications system of claim 12, wherein the correspondence manager logic is further configured to after a predetermined time period, format an associated correspondence in physical format for at least one of the unopened electronic correspondences. 14. The strategic communications system of claim 10, wherein the correspondence logic is further configured to determine at least one of the electronic correspondences satisfies a mail criteria and based at least in part on the determination, to format a physical correspondence for the recipient of the determined electronic correspondence. 15. A method comprising:
obtaining, with a strategic communications system, a decision rule for a correspondence; obtaining, with the strategic communications system, data associated with a recipient of the correspondence; determining, with the strategic communications system, whether to include a decision-based component on the correspondence based at least in part on the decision rule and the data; formatting, with the strategic communications system, the correspondence to include a selective perforation if the decision-based component is included; and transmitting the correspondence to a printer, the printer configured to selectively add perforations to correspondences. 16. The method of claim 15, further comprising adding, with the printer, the selective perforation if the decision-based component is included. 17. The method of claim 15, wherein the decision-based component is included on the correspondence, the method further comprising formatting a correspondence for a second recipient, the correspondence for the second recipient not including the decision-based component. 18. The method of claim 15, wherein the correspondence includes a first page and a second page, the first page formatted to include the selective perforation and the second page formatted to not include the selective perforation. 19. The method of claim 15, wherein the correspondence comprises a bill. 20. The method of claim 15, wherein the decision-based component comprises one of a check and a coupon. 21. A method comprising:
obtaining, with a strategic communications system, a decision rule for a correspondence; obtaining, with the strategic communications system, data associated with a recipient of the correspondence; determining, with the strategic communications system, whether to include a decision-based component on the correspondence based at least in part on the decision rule and the data; formatting, with the strategic communications system, the correspondence to include a selective color component if the decision-based component is included; and transmitting the correspondence to a printer, the printer configured to selectively add color components to correspondences. 22. A method comprising:
creating, with a strategic communications system, an electronic correspondence for a recipient; determining, with the strategic communications system, whether to include a decision-based component on the electronic correspondence based at least in part on a decision rule and data associated with the recipient; formatting, with the strategic communications system, the electronic correspondence in accordance with the determination; and transmitting the electronic correspondence to the recipient. 23. The method of claim 22, wherein the decision-based component comprises an offer including a hyperlink. 24. The method of claim 22, further comprising:
determining, with the strategic communications system, the electronic correspondence satisfies a mail criteria; creating, with the strategic communications system, an associated correspondence in physical format for the recipient. 25. The method of claim 24, wherein creating the associated correspondence comprises adding at least one decision-based component not included in the electronic correspondence. 26. The method of claim 22, further comprising:
after a predetermined time, determining, with the strategic communications system, the recipient did not open the electronic correspondence; and creating, with the strategic communications system, an associated correspondence in physical format for the recipient. | Systems, methods, and machine-readable mediums are disclosed for strategic communications. In one embodiment, the strategic communications system comprises a rules data store including a decision rule, a recipient data store including recipient data for a plurality of recipients, and decision logic configured to determine for each of the recipients whether to include a decision-based component on the correspondence for the respective recipient based at least on the decision rule and the data associated with the respective recipient. The strategic communications system further includes correspondence manager logic to format the correspondence for each of the recipients and a printer including a selective perforation module to selectively add the perforation to the correspondences including the decision-based component.1. A strategic communications system comprising:
a rules data store including a decision rule; a recipient data store including recipient data for a plurality of recipients of a correspondence; decision logic, communicatively coupled with the rules data store and the recipient data store, to determine for each of the recipients whether to include a decision-based component on the correspondence for the respective recipient based at least in part on the decision rule and the data associated with the respective recipient; correspondence manager logic, communicatively coupled with the decision logic, to format the correspondence for each of the recipients; and a printer, communicatively coupled with the correspondence manager logic, the printer including a selective perforation module to selectively add a perforation to the correspondences including the decision-based component. 2. The strategic communications system of claim 1, wherein the correspondences comprise a bill. 3. The strategic communications system of claim 1, wherein the decision-based component comprises a coupon. 4. The strategic communications system of claim 1, wherein the decision-based component comprises a check. 5. The strategic communications system of claim 1, wherein the printer further includes a MICR component to selectively add MICR information to the correspondences including the check. 6. The strategic communications system of claim 1 wherein the rules data store further includes a rule for inserting a color component and wherein the decision logic is further configured to determine for at least a subset of the correspondences whether to include the color component. 7. The strategic communications system of claim 6, wherein the printer further comprises at least one color module to selectively apply color to each of the correspondences including the color component. 8. The strategic communications system of claim 1, wherein the decision rule includes a condition for one of a recipient credit limit, a recipient account balance, and a recipient account type. 9. The strategic communications system of claim 1, wherein the decision rule includes a condition for a purchase of a product, the recipient data indicating recipients that purchased the product. 10. The strategic communications system of claim 1, wherein the correspondence manager logic is further configured to create and format electronic correspondences for a second subset of recipients. 11. The strategic communications system of claim 10, further comprising an electronic messaging system to deliver the electronic correspondences. 12. The strategic communications system of claim 11, wherein the electronic messaging system includes tracking data indicating whether one or more of the recipients in the second set opened the respective electronic correspondence. 13. The strategic communications system of claim 12, wherein the correspondence manager logic is further configured to after a predetermined time period, format an associated correspondence in physical format for at least one of the unopened electronic correspondences. 14. The strategic communications system of claim 10, wherein the correspondence logic is further configured to determine at least one of the electronic correspondences satisfies a mail criteria and based at least in part on the determination, to format a physical correspondence for the recipient of the determined electronic correspondence. 15. A method comprising:
obtaining, with a strategic communications system, a decision rule for a correspondence; obtaining, with the strategic communications system, data associated with a recipient of the correspondence; determining, with the strategic communications system, whether to include a decision-based component on the correspondence based at least in part on the decision rule and the data; formatting, with the strategic communications system, the correspondence to include a selective perforation if the decision-based component is included; and transmitting the correspondence to a printer, the printer configured to selectively add perforations to correspondences. 16. The method of claim 15, further comprising adding, with the printer, the selective perforation if the decision-based component is included. 17. The method of claim 15, wherein the decision-based component is included on the correspondence, the method further comprising formatting a correspondence for a second recipient, the correspondence for the second recipient not including the decision-based component. 18. The method of claim 15, wherein the correspondence includes a first page and a second page, the first page formatted to include the selective perforation and the second page formatted to not include the selective perforation. 19. The method of claim 15, wherein the correspondence comprises a bill. 20. The method of claim 15, wherein the decision-based component comprises one of a check and a coupon. 21. A method comprising:
obtaining, with a strategic communications system, a decision rule for a correspondence; obtaining, with the strategic communications system, data associated with a recipient of the correspondence; determining, with the strategic communications system, whether to include a decision-based component on the correspondence based at least in part on the decision rule and the data; formatting, with the strategic communications system, the correspondence to include a selective color component if the decision-based component is included; and transmitting the correspondence to a printer, the printer configured to selectively add color components to correspondences. 22. A method comprising:
creating, with a strategic communications system, an electronic correspondence for a recipient; determining, with the strategic communications system, whether to include a decision-based component on the electronic correspondence based at least in part on a decision rule and data associated with the recipient; formatting, with the strategic communications system, the electronic correspondence in accordance with the determination; and transmitting the electronic correspondence to the recipient. 23. The method of claim 22, wherein the decision-based component comprises an offer including a hyperlink. 24. The method of claim 22, further comprising:
determining, with the strategic communications system, the electronic correspondence satisfies a mail criteria; creating, with the strategic communications system, an associated correspondence in physical format for the recipient. 25. The method of claim 24, wherein creating the associated correspondence comprises adding at least one decision-based component not included in the electronic correspondence. 26. The method of claim 22, further comprising:
after a predetermined time, determining, with the strategic communications system, the recipient did not open the electronic correspondence; and creating, with the strategic communications system, an associated correspondence in physical format for the recipient. | 3,600 |
12,759 | 12,759 | 11,983,980 | 3,641 | A blast-resistant barrier comprising a plurality of units each including a panel having a thickness of greater than 20 to less than 40 millimeter is disclosed. The panel is in the form of a monolithic polycarbonate sheet or laminate that is positioned vertically between the source of a blast and the blast target, the laminate including at least two polycarbonate sheets and an optional image layer interposed therebetween. The panel is fixedly attached to a frame which is firmly embedded in concrete in a manner calculated to provide stiffness sufficient to absorb and withstand external forces resulting from said blast.
In a preferred embodiment the panel includes at least two polycarbonate sheets laminated one to the other, optionally including an image layer interposed therebetween. In an additional embodiment, the frame is anchored securely to the target enabling dissipation of the blast force through the target's structure. The height of the blast-resistant barrier is preferably proportional to the height of the target. | 1. A blast-resistant barrier comprising one or more units each including a panel fixedly attached to a frame, said panel being greater than 20 and less than 40 millimeter in thickness and including at least one polycarbonate sheet is vertically positioned between the source of a blast and the blast target. 2. The barrier of claim 1 wherein said frame comprise at least one member selected from the group consisting of carbon steel, stainless steel and aluminum. 3. The barrier of claim 1 wherein said frame is grounded in concrete. 4. The barrier of claim 1 wherein said frame is anchored in the target. 5. The barrier of claim 1 wherein said panel is concave with its hollow side fronting said source. 6. The barrier of claim 1 wherein said panel is in the form of a monolithic polycarbonate sheet. 7. The barrier of claim 1 wherein said panel is in the form of a laminate containing more than one polycarbonate sheet. 8. The barrier of claim 7 further comprising an image layer interposed between said sheets. 9. The barrier of claim 8 wherein said image layer contains at least one member selected from the group consisting of fabric, photograph, paper, wire, screen, rod, bar, grass and plant. 10. The barrier of claim 9 wherein said member is encapsulated in a polymeric resin compatible with said member and said polycarbonate. 11. The barrier of claim 1 wherein at least one surface of said panel is hard-coated. 12. The barrier of claim 1 wherein at least one surface of said panel is embossed. 13. The barrier of claim 1 wherein said panel contains a UV-stabilizer. 14. The barrier of claim 1 wherein said frame has a “C” cross-section. 15. The barrier of claim 1 wherein said panel is fixedly attached to said frame by a plurality of bolts. 16. The barrier of claim 1 wherein said panel is adhesively attached to said frame. 17. The barrier of claim 1 wherein said panel contains at least two polycarbonate sheets bonded one to the other by an adhesive. 18. The barrier of claim 17 wherein the adhesive is thermoplastic polyurethane. | A blast-resistant barrier comprising a plurality of units each including a panel having a thickness of greater than 20 to less than 40 millimeter is disclosed. The panel is in the form of a monolithic polycarbonate sheet or laminate that is positioned vertically between the source of a blast and the blast target, the laminate including at least two polycarbonate sheets and an optional image layer interposed therebetween. The panel is fixedly attached to a frame which is firmly embedded in concrete in a manner calculated to provide stiffness sufficient to absorb and withstand external forces resulting from said blast.
In a preferred embodiment the panel includes at least two polycarbonate sheets laminated one to the other, optionally including an image layer interposed therebetween. In an additional embodiment, the frame is anchored securely to the target enabling dissipation of the blast force through the target's structure. The height of the blast-resistant barrier is preferably proportional to the height of the target.1. A blast-resistant barrier comprising one or more units each including a panel fixedly attached to a frame, said panel being greater than 20 and less than 40 millimeter in thickness and including at least one polycarbonate sheet is vertically positioned between the source of a blast and the blast target. 2. The barrier of claim 1 wherein said frame comprise at least one member selected from the group consisting of carbon steel, stainless steel and aluminum. 3. The barrier of claim 1 wherein said frame is grounded in concrete. 4. The barrier of claim 1 wherein said frame is anchored in the target. 5. The barrier of claim 1 wherein said panel is concave with its hollow side fronting said source. 6. The barrier of claim 1 wherein said panel is in the form of a monolithic polycarbonate sheet. 7. The barrier of claim 1 wherein said panel is in the form of a laminate containing more than one polycarbonate sheet. 8. The barrier of claim 7 further comprising an image layer interposed between said sheets. 9. The barrier of claim 8 wherein said image layer contains at least one member selected from the group consisting of fabric, photograph, paper, wire, screen, rod, bar, grass and plant. 10. The barrier of claim 9 wherein said member is encapsulated in a polymeric resin compatible with said member and said polycarbonate. 11. The barrier of claim 1 wherein at least one surface of said panel is hard-coated. 12. The barrier of claim 1 wherein at least one surface of said panel is embossed. 13. The barrier of claim 1 wherein said panel contains a UV-stabilizer. 14. The barrier of claim 1 wherein said frame has a “C” cross-section. 15. The barrier of claim 1 wherein said panel is fixedly attached to said frame by a plurality of bolts. 16. The barrier of claim 1 wherein said panel is adhesively attached to said frame. 17. The barrier of claim 1 wherein said panel contains at least two polycarbonate sheets bonded one to the other by an adhesive. 18. The barrier of claim 17 wherein the adhesive is thermoplastic polyurethane. | 3,600 |
12,760 | 12,760 | 13,826,121 | 3,691 | A method is disclosed. The method includes receiving a payment instruction file. In some cases, the payment instruction file contains a plurality of payment instructions with conditional control data to pay one or more suppliers. The conditional control data controls execution of the payment instructions. The method further includes receiving a plurality of transaction messages corresponding to the plurality of payment instructions, respectively, where each transaction message in the plurality of transaction messages is conducted using one or more payment accounts. If transaction data in a transaction message in the plurality of transaction messages does not satisfy the conditional control data, then the transaction message is declined by a server computer. If transaction data in the transaction message in the plurality of transaction messages does satisfy the conditional control data, then the transaction message is approved by the server computer. | 1. A method comprising:
receiving a payment instruction file, wherein the payment instruction file contains one or more payment instructions to pay one or more suppliers, and conditional control data for the one or more payment instructions, the conditional control data controlling execution of the payment instructions; receiving one or more transaction messages corresponding to the one or more payment instructions, respectively, wherein each transaction message in the one or more transaction messages is conducted using one or more payment accounts, the one or more payment accounts held by one or more issuers; if transaction data in a transaction message in the one or more transaction messages does not satisfy the conditional control data for the payment instruction associated with the transaction message, then declining the transaction message by a server computer; and if transaction data in the transaction message in the one or more transaction messages does satisfy the conditional control data for the payment instruction associated with the transaction message, then processing the transaction message by the server computer. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the transaction message is an authorization request message and wherein processing the transaction message comprises transmitting the authorization request message to the issuer associated with the payment account that is associated with the authorization request message. 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the transaction message is a settlement request message and wherein processing the transaction message comprises transmitting the settlement request message to the issuer associated with the payment account that is associated with the settlement request message. 4. The method of claim 1, wherein the supplier initiates the transaction message through a supplier device, the supplier device being a point of sale terminal or a virtual terminal. 5. The method of claim 1, wherein the payment instruction file is received from a buyer device, and wherein the server computer is in a payables processor system. 6. The method of claim 1, wherein the conditional control data for the payment instruction sets an upper limit on a transaction amount associated with a transaction message corresponding to the payment instruction, and wherein the server computer processes the transaction message if the transaction amount is below or equal to the upper limit and denies the transaction message if the amount is above the upper limit. 7. The method of claim 1, wherein the conditional control data for the payment instruction sets an exact amount for a transaction amount associated with a transaction message corresponding to the payment instruction, and wherein the server computer processes the transaction message if the transaction amount is equal to the exact amount and denies the transaction message if the amount in the transaction message is not equal to the exact amount. 8. The method of claim 1, wherein the conditional control data is received at the server computer in a communication separate from the payment instruction file. 9. A server computer comprising:
a processor, and a computer readable medium coupled to the processor, the computer readable medium comprising code for causing the processor to execute a method comprising: receiving a payment instruction file, wherein the payment instruction file contains one or more payment instructions to pay one or more suppliers, and conditional control data for the one or more payment instructions, the conditional control data controlling execution of the payment instructions; receiving one or more transaction messages corresponding to the one or more payment instructions, respectively, wherein each transaction message in the one or more transaction messages is conducted using one or more payment accounts, the one or more payment accounts held by one or more issuers; if transaction data in a transaction message in the one or more transaction messages does not satisfy the conditional control data for the payment instruction associated with the transaction message, then declining the transaction message by the server computer; if transaction data in the transaction message in the one or more of transaction messages does satisfy the conditional control data for the payment instruction associated with the transaction message, then processing the transaction message by the server computer. 10. The server computer of claim 9, wherein the transaction message is an authorization request message and wherein processing the transaction message comprises transmitting the authorization request message to the issuer associated with the payment account that is associated with the authorization request message. 11. The server computer of claim 9, wherein the transaction message is a settlement request message and wherein processing the transaction message comprises transmitting the settlement request message to the issuer associated with the payment account that is associated with the settlement request message. 12. The server computer of claim 9, wherein the supplier initiates the transaction message through a supplier device, the supplier device being a point of sale terminal or a virtual terminal. 13. The server computer of claim 9, wherein the payment instruction file is received from a buyer device, and wherein the server computer is in a payables processor system. 14. The server computer of claim 9, wherein the conditional control data for the payment instruction sets an upper limit on a transaction amount associated with a transaction message corresponding to the payment instruction, and wherein the server computer processes the transaction message if the transaction amount is below or equal to the upper limit and denies the transaction message if the amount is above the upper limit. 15. The server computer of claim 9, wherein the conditional control data for the payment instruction sets an exact amount for a transaction amount associated with a transaction message corresponding to the payment instruction, and wherein the server computer processes the transaction message if the transaction amount is equal to the exact amount and denies the transaction message if the amount in the transaction message is not equal to the exact amount. 16. The server computer of claim 9, wherein the conditional control data is received at the server computer in the payment instruction file. 17. A method comprising:
receiving, by a supplier device, a plurality of remittance messages from a server computer corresponding to a plurality of payment instructions from a buyer; transmitting, by the supplier device, a plurality of transaction messages corresponding to the plurality of payment instructions to the server computer, respectively, wherein each transaction message in the plurality of transaction messages is conducted using one or more payment accounts, the one or more payment accounts held by one or more issuers; if transaction data in a transaction message in the one or more transaction messages does not satisfy the conditional control data for the payment instruction associated with the transaction message, then declining the transaction message by the server computer; and if transaction data in the transaction message in the one or more transaction messages does satisfy the conditional control data for the payment instruction associated with the transaction message, then processing the transaction message by the server computer. 18. The method of claim 17, wherein the supplier device is a point of sale terminal or a virtual terminal. 19. The method of claim 17, wherein the transaction message is an authorization request message and wherein processing the transaction message comprises transmitting the authorization request message to the issuer associated with the payment account that is associated with the authorization request message. 20. The method of claim 17, wherein the conditional control data for the payment instruction sets an exact amount for a transaction amount associated with a transaction message corresponding to the payment instruction, and wherein the server computer processes the transaction message if the transaction amount is equal to the exact amount and denies the transaction message if the amount in the transaction message is not equal to the exact amount. | A method is disclosed. The method includes receiving a payment instruction file. In some cases, the payment instruction file contains a plurality of payment instructions with conditional control data to pay one or more suppliers. The conditional control data controls execution of the payment instructions. The method further includes receiving a plurality of transaction messages corresponding to the plurality of payment instructions, respectively, where each transaction message in the plurality of transaction messages is conducted using one or more payment accounts. If transaction data in a transaction message in the plurality of transaction messages does not satisfy the conditional control data, then the transaction message is declined by a server computer. If transaction data in the transaction message in the plurality of transaction messages does satisfy the conditional control data, then the transaction message is approved by the server computer.1. A method comprising:
receiving a payment instruction file, wherein the payment instruction file contains one or more payment instructions to pay one or more suppliers, and conditional control data for the one or more payment instructions, the conditional control data controlling execution of the payment instructions; receiving one or more transaction messages corresponding to the one or more payment instructions, respectively, wherein each transaction message in the one or more transaction messages is conducted using one or more payment accounts, the one or more payment accounts held by one or more issuers; if transaction data in a transaction message in the one or more transaction messages does not satisfy the conditional control data for the payment instruction associated with the transaction message, then declining the transaction message by a server computer; and if transaction data in the transaction message in the one or more transaction messages does satisfy the conditional control data for the payment instruction associated with the transaction message, then processing the transaction message by the server computer. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the transaction message is an authorization request message and wherein processing the transaction message comprises transmitting the authorization request message to the issuer associated with the payment account that is associated with the authorization request message. 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the transaction message is a settlement request message and wherein processing the transaction message comprises transmitting the settlement request message to the issuer associated with the payment account that is associated with the settlement request message. 4. The method of claim 1, wherein the supplier initiates the transaction message through a supplier device, the supplier device being a point of sale terminal or a virtual terminal. 5. The method of claim 1, wherein the payment instruction file is received from a buyer device, and wherein the server computer is in a payables processor system. 6. The method of claim 1, wherein the conditional control data for the payment instruction sets an upper limit on a transaction amount associated with a transaction message corresponding to the payment instruction, and wherein the server computer processes the transaction message if the transaction amount is below or equal to the upper limit and denies the transaction message if the amount is above the upper limit. 7. The method of claim 1, wherein the conditional control data for the payment instruction sets an exact amount for a transaction amount associated with a transaction message corresponding to the payment instruction, and wherein the server computer processes the transaction message if the transaction amount is equal to the exact amount and denies the transaction message if the amount in the transaction message is not equal to the exact amount. 8. The method of claim 1, wherein the conditional control data is received at the server computer in a communication separate from the payment instruction file. 9. A server computer comprising:
a processor, and a computer readable medium coupled to the processor, the computer readable medium comprising code for causing the processor to execute a method comprising: receiving a payment instruction file, wherein the payment instruction file contains one or more payment instructions to pay one or more suppliers, and conditional control data for the one or more payment instructions, the conditional control data controlling execution of the payment instructions; receiving one or more transaction messages corresponding to the one or more payment instructions, respectively, wherein each transaction message in the one or more transaction messages is conducted using one or more payment accounts, the one or more payment accounts held by one or more issuers; if transaction data in a transaction message in the one or more transaction messages does not satisfy the conditional control data for the payment instruction associated with the transaction message, then declining the transaction message by the server computer; if transaction data in the transaction message in the one or more of transaction messages does satisfy the conditional control data for the payment instruction associated with the transaction message, then processing the transaction message by the server computer. 10. The server computer of claim 9, wherein the transaction message is an authorization request message and wherein processing the transaction message comprises transmitting the authorization request message to the issuer associated with the payment account that is associated with the authorization request message. 11. The server computer of claim 9, wherein the transaction message is a settlement request message and wherein processing the transaction message comprises transmitting the settlement request message to the issuer associated with the payment account that is associated with the settlement request message. 12. The server computer of claim 9, wherein the supplier initiates the transaction message through a supplier device, the supplier device being a point of sale terminal or a virtual terminal. 13. The server computer of claim 9, wherein the payment instruction file is received from a buyer device, and wherein the server computer is in a payables processor system. 14. The server computer of claim 9, wherein the conditional control data for the payment instruction sets an upper limit on a transaction amount associated with a transaction message corresponding to the payment instruction, and wherein the server computer processes the transaction message if the transaction amount is below or equal to the upper limit and denies the transaction message if the amount is above the upper limit. 15. The server computer of claim 9, wherein the conditional control data for the payment instruction sets an exact amount for a transaction amount associated with a transaction message corresponding to the payment instruction, and wherein the server computer processes the transaction message if the transaction amount is equal to the exact amount and denies the transaction message if the amount in the transaction message is not equal to the exact amount. 16. The server computer of claim 9, wherein the conditional control data is received at the server computer in the payment instruction file. 17. A method comprising:
receiving, by a supplier device, a plurality of remittance messages from a server computer corresponding to a plurality of payment instructions from a buyer; transmitting, by the supplier device, a plurality of transaction messages corresponding to the plurality of payment instructions to the server computer, respectively, wherein each transaction message in the plurality of transaction messages is conducted using one or more payment accounts, the one or more payment accounts held by one or more issuers; if transaction data in a transaction message in the one or more transaction messages does not satisfy the conditional control data for the payment instruction associated with the transaction message, then declining the transaction message by the server computer; and if transaction data in the transaction message in the one or more transaction messages does satisfy the conditional control data for the payment instruction associated with the transaction message, then processing the transaction message by the server computer. 18. The method of claim 17, wherein the supplier device is a point of sale terminal or a virtual terminal. 19. The method of claim 17, wherein the transaction message is an authorization request message and wherein processing the transaction message comprises transmitting the authorization request message to the issuer associated with the payment account that is associated with the authorization request message. 20. The method of claim 17, wherein the conditional control data for the payment instruction sets an exact amount for a transaction amount associated with a transaction message corresponding to the payment instruction, and wherein the server computer processes the transaction message if the transaction amount is equal to the exact amount and denies the transaction message if the amount in the transaction message is not equal to the exact amount. | 3,600 |
12,761 | 12,761 | 11,838,121 | 3,691 | A client device, system, and method are directed towards enabling a business to randomly select an existing client to receive a rebate based, in part, on a portion of transactions by a plurality of clients with the business. In one embodiment, the business selects a rebate percentage and a mechanism for randomly selecting at least one client from the plurality of existing clients. In one embodiment, the clients actively employ a service, purchase products, or perform other transactions with the business. In one embodiment, the business may charge a fee for the service, product, or transaction. In one embodiment, at least a portion of the fees obtained from the plurality of existing clients may be used to reward at least one of the clients. As a defined time, a selected client may receive the rebate, whereby another client may be randomly selected to receive a different rebate. | 1. A network device for use in managing transactions over a network, comprising:
a transceiver to send and receive data over the network; and a processor that is operative to perform actions, including:
employing a selection mechanism to randomly select a user from among a plurality of users of a business;
determining a rebate mechanism based, in part, on transactions by the plurality of users with the business;
employing the rebate mechanism to determine a rebate; and
providing the selected user the rebate. 2. The network device of claim 1, wherein determining the rebate mechanism further comprises determining a percentage of revenues obtained from purchase transactions by the plurality of users. 3. The network device of claim 1, wherein determining the rebate mechanisms further comprises determining a percentage of revenues obtained from purchase transactions by those users among the plurality of users that became users to the business after the selected user became a user to the business. 4. The network device of claim 1, wherein employing a selection mechanism to randomly select a user further comprises randomly selecting the user from among a subset of users selected from the plurality of users, wherein the subset is based on at least one of a length of service with the business or a level of purchases made. 5. The network device of claim 1, wherein the transactions are performed over a network between a client device and another network device. 6. The network device of claim 1, wherein determining a rebate mechanism further comprises determining the rebate based on transactions performed by a subset of the plurality of users, and wherein employing a selection mechanism further comprises selecting a user from a subset of the plurality, each user in the subset having generated at least a defined amount of revenue. 7. The network device of claim 1, wherein the transactions further comprises conducting a purchase of at least one of a product or a service from the business. 8. A system for managing transactions over a network, comprising:
a plurality of client devices, wherein each client device is associated with a user within a plurality of users, and each client device being configured and arranged to perform actions, including:
enabling the respective user of the client device to perform a purchase transaction over the network; and
a server component in communication with the plurality of client devices, and configured and arranged to perform actions, including:
determining a selection criteria useable to randomly select a user within the plurality of users;
randomly selecting at least one user among the plurality of users using the selection criteria;
determining a rebate based on transactions with the business by at least two users among the plurality of users; and
sending the rebate to the selected at least one user at a determined time period. 9. The system of claim 8, wherein the server component is configured and arranged to perform actions, further comprising:
selecting at least one other user among another plurality of users using the selection criteria; determining another rebate based on a percentage of purchase transactions by at least two other users among the other plurality of users; and sending the other rebate to the select at least one other user at another determined time period. 10. The system of claim 8, wherein randomly selecting at least one user further comprises randomly selecting the at least one user from a subgroup of the plurality of users, wherein the subgroup of users is determined based on at least one of an overall financial purchase amount by a user within the subgroup exceeding a determined amount or based on length of time a user has been performing purchase transactions with the business. 11. The system of claim 8, wherein determining the rebate further comprises:
determining a number of users within the plurality of users that have a first purchase transactions after a first purchase transaction of the selected at least one user; determining a percentage of revenues from purchase transactions of the determined number of users; and distributing the determined percentage of revenues among the selected at least one user. 12. The system of claim 8, wherein the purchase transactions further comprises purchasing at least one or a service or a product. 13. The system of claim 8, wherein the server component is configured and arranged to perform actions, further comprising registering users to be among the plurality of users eligible for being randomly selected. 14. The system of claim 8, wherein selecting at least one user further comprises randomly selecting the at least one user from a subset of the plurality of users, wherein each user within the subset has generated at least a defined amount of revenue within a defined time period. 15. A processor readable medium that includes instructions stored thereon, wherein the execution of the instructions by a computer device provides for managing transactions over a network, the instructions comprising:
enabling a plurality of users to perform purchase transactions with a business; randomly selecting a user from among the plurality of users; determining a rebate based on the purchase transactions with the business by at least a subset of users among the plurality of users; and sending the rebate to the selected at least one user at a determined time period. 16. The processor readable medium of claim 15, wherein randomly selecting the at least one user further comprises selecting the at least one user based on one of detecting a new user to the business or a billing cycle. 17. The processor readable medium of claim 15, wherein randomly selecting the at least one user further comprises randomly selecting the at least one user from a subgroup of the plurality of users, wherein the subgroup of users is determined based on at least one of an overall financial purchase amount by each user within the subgroup exceeding a determined amount or based on length of time a user has been performing purchase transactions with the business. 18. The processor readable medium of claim 15, wherein determining the rebate further comprises determining a percentage of revenues obtained from purchase transactions by those users among the plurality of users that became a user to the business after the selected at least one user became a user to the business. 19. The processor readable medium of claim 15, wherein determining a rebate further comprises determining the rebate based on a percentage of revenue based in part on at least one of a length of service with the business or a level of purchases made by the selected user. 20. The processor readable medium of claim 15, wherein randomly selecting the user is independent of a length of service with the business by the user. | A client device, system, and method are directed towards enabling a business to randomly select an existing client to receive a rebate based, in part, on a portion of transactions by a plurality of clients with the business. In one embodiment, the business selects a rebate percentage and a mechanism for randomly selecting at least one client from the plurality of existing clients. In one embodiment, the clients actively employ a service, purchase products, or perform other transactions with the business. In one embodiment, the business may charge a fee for the service, product, or transaction. In one embodiment, at least a portion of the fees obtained from the plurality of existing clients may be used to reward at least one of the clients. As a defined time, a selected client may receive the rebate, whereby another client may be randomly selected to receive a different rebate.1. A network device for use in managing transactions over a network, comprising:
a transceiver to send and receive data over the network; and a processor that is operative to perform actions, including:
employing a selection mechanism to randomly select a user from among a plurality of users of a business;
determining a rebate mechanism based, in part, on transactions by the plurality of users with the business;
employing the rebate mechanism to determine a rebate; and
providing the selected user the rebate. 2. The network device of claim 1, wherein determining the rebate mechanism further comprises determining a percentage of revenues obtained from purchase transactions by the plurality of users. 3. The network device of claim 1, wherein determining the rebate mechanisms further comprises determining a percentage of revenues obtained from purchase transactions by those users among the plurality of users that became users to the business after the selected user became a user to the business. 4. The network device of claim 1, wherein employing a selection mechanism to randomly select a user further comprises randomly selecting the user from among a subset of users selected from the plurality of users, wherein the subset is based on at least one of a length of service with the business or a level of purchases made. 5. The network device of claim 1, wherein the transactions are performed over a network between a client device and another network device. 6. The network device of claim 1, wherein determining a rebate mechanism further comprises determining the rebate based on transactions performed by a subset of the plurality of users, and wherein employing a selection mechanism further comprises selecting a user from a subset of the plurality, each user in the subset having generated at least a defined amount of revenue. 7. The network device of claim 1, wherein the transactions further comprises conducting a purchase of at least one of a product or a service from the business. 8. A system for managing transactions over a network, comprising:
a plurality of client devices, wherein each client device is associated with a user within a plurality of users, and each client device being configured and arranged to perform actions, including:
enabling the respective user of the client device to perform a purchase transaction over the network; and
a server component in communication with the plurality of client devices, and configured and arranged to perform actions, including:
determining a selection criteria useable to randomly select a user within the plurality of users;
randomly selecting at least one user among the plurality of users using the selection criteria;
determining a rebate based on transactions with the business by at least two users among the plurality of users; and
sending the rebate to the selected at least one user at a determined time period. 9. The system of claim 8, wherein the server component is configured and arranged to perform actions, further comprising:
selecting at least one other user among another plurality of users using the selection criteria; determining another rebate based on a percentage of purchase transactions by at least two other users among the other plurality of users; and sending the other rebate to the select at least one other user at another determined time period. 10. The system of claim 8, wherein randomly selecting at least one user further comprises randomly selecting the at least one user from a subgroup of the plurality of users, wherein the subgroup of users is determined based on at least one of an overall financial purchase amount by a user within the subgroup exceeding a determined amount or based on length of time a user has been performing purchase transactions with the business. 11. The system of claim 8, wherein determining the rebate further comprises:
determining a number of users within the plurality of users that have a first purchase transactions after a first purchase transaction of the selected at least one user; determining a percentage of revenues from purchase transactions of the determined number of users; and distributing the determined percentage of revenues among the selected at least one user. 12. The system of claim 8, wherein the purchase transactions further comprises purchasing at least one or a service or a product. 13. The system of claim 8, wherein the server component is configured and arranged to perform actions, further comprising registering users to be among the plurality of users eligible for being randomly selected. 14. The system of claim 8, wherein selecting at least one user further comprises randomly selecting the at least one user from a subset of the plurality of users, wherein each user within the subset has generated at least a defined amount of revenue within a defined time period. 15. A processor readable medium that includes instructions stored thereon, wherein the execution of the instructions by a computer device provides for managing transactions over a network, the instructions comprising:
enabling a plurality of users to perform purchase transactions with a business; randomly selecting a user from among the plurality of users; determining a rebate based on the purchase transactions with the business by at least a subset of users among the plurality of users; and sending the rebate to the selected at least one user at a determined time period. 16. The processor readable medium of claim 15, wherein randomly selecting the at least one user further comprises selecting the at least one user based on one of detecting a new user to the business or a billing cycle. 17. The processor readable medium of claim 15, wherein randomly selecting the at least one user further comprises randomly selecting the at least one user from a subgroup of the plurality of users, wherein the subgroup of users is determined based on at least one of an overall financial purchase amount by each user within the subgroup exceeding a determined amount or based on length of time a user has been performing purchase transactions with the business. 18. The processor readable medium of claim 15, wherein determining the rebate further comprises determining a percentage of revenues obtained from purchase transactions by those users among the plurality of users that became a user to the business after the selected at least one user became a user to the business. 19. The processor readable medium of claim 15, wherein determining a rebate further comprises determining the rebate based on a percentage of revenue based in part on at least one of a length of service with the business or a level of purchases made by the selected user. 20. The processor readable medium of claim 15, wherein randomly selecting the user is independent of a length of service with the business by the user. | 3,600 |
12,762 | 12,762 | 14,686,765 | 3,624 | Embodiments of the invention provide a method, system and computer program product for optimal sales opportunity visualization in a CRM application. The method includes storing different data for different business opportunities previously closed and won. The method also includes loading from the data store business opportunity data for a potential sale. The method further includes generating a visualization for an aggregation of the different data representative of an optimal sales opportunity and also generating a visualization from the business opportunity data for the potential sale. Finally, the method includes displaying a comparison of the visualizations and providing an alert responsive to a determination that the visualization from the business opportunity data for the potential sale varies by a threshold amount from the visualization for the aggregation of the different data representative of the optimal sales opportunity. | 1. A method for optimal sales opportunity visualization in a customer relationship management (CRM) application, comprising:
storing in a data store of the CRM application different data for different business opportunities previously closed and won; loading from the data store business opportunity data for a potential sale in the CRM application in association with a sales representative end user of the CRM application; generating a visualization for an aggregation of the different data representative of an optimal sales opportunity and also generating a visualization from the business opportunity data for the potential sale; displaying a comparison of the visualizations in a user interface to the CRM application; and, providing in the user interface an alert responsive to a determination that the visualization from the business opportunity data for the potential sale varies by a threshold amount from the visualization for the aggregation of the different data representative of the optimal sales opportunity. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the data for the different business opportunities previously closed and won includes a correlation between timing information pertaining to a transitioning of each of the business opportunities previously closed and won from one stage of a sales cycle to another. 3. The method of claim 2, wherein the data for the different business opportunities previously closed and won also includes a correlation between timing information pertaining to an occurrence of different actions in the CRM application and the timing information pertaining to the transitioning of each of the business opportunities previously closed and won from one stage of the sales cycle to another. 4. The method of claim 3, wherein the alert includes a list of one or more of the different actions correlated with a transitioning of the different business opportunities previously closed and won from a stage of the sales cycle contemporaneously associated with business opportunity data for the potential sale and a next stage of the sales cycle. 5. The method of claim 1, wherein the different actions include a meeting, a telephone call and a task. 6. The method of claim 1, further comprising:
specifying in connection the business opportunity data for the potential sale, a hypothetical action in association with a sales representative end user of the CRM application; re-generating the visualization from the business opportunity data for the potential sale as if the hypothetical action had been contemporaneously performed; and, re-displaying a comparison of the visualizations in the user interface to the CRM application. 7. A customer relationship management (CRM) data processing system configured for optimal sales opportunity visualization, the system comprising:
a host computing system comprising at least one computer with memory and at least one processor; a CRM application executing in the memory of the host computing system; a data store of the CRM application storing different data for different business opportunities previously closed and won as well as business opportunity data for different potential sales in the CRM application in association with different sales representative end users of the CRM application; and, an optimal sales opportunity visualization module coupled to the CRM application, the module comprising program code enabled upon execution in the memory of the host computing system to load from the data store business opportunity data for a potential sale in the CRM application in association with a sales representative end user of the CRM application, to generate a visualization for an aggregation of the different data representative of an optimal sales opportunity and also generating a visualization from the business opportunity data for the potential sale, to display a comparison of the visualizations in a user interface to the CRM application, and to provide in the user interface an alert responsive to a determination that the visualization from the business opportunity data for the potential sale varies by a threshold amount from the visualization for the aggregation of the different data representative of the optimal sales opportunity. 8. The system of claim 7, wherein the data for the different business opportunities previously closed and won includes a correlation between timing information pertaining to a transitioning of each of the business opportunities previously closed and won from one stage of a sales cycle to another. 9. The system of claim 8, wherein the data for the different business opportunities previously closed and won also includes a correlation between timing information pertaining to an occurrence of different actions in the CRM application and the timing information pertaining to the transitioning of each of the business opportunities previously closed and won from one stage of the sales cycle to another. 10. The system of claim 9, wherein the alert includes a list of one or more of the different actions correlated with a transitioning of the different business opportunities previously closed and won from a stage of the sales cycle contemporaneously associated with business opportunity data for the potential sale and a next stage of the sales cycle. 11. The system of claim 7, wherein the different actions include a meeting, a telephone call and a task. 12. The system of claim 7, wherein the program code is further enabled to specify in connection the business opportunity data for the potential sale, a hypothetical action in association with a sales representative end user of the CRM application, to re-generate the visualization from the business opportunity data for the potential sale as if the hypothetical action had been contemporaneously performed, and to re-display a comparison of the visualizations in the user interface to the CRM application. 13. A computer program product for optimal sales opportunity visualization in a customer relationship management (CRM) application, the computer program product comprising a computer readable storage medium having program instructions embodied therewith, the program instructions executable by a device to cause the device to perform a method comprising:
storing in a data store of the CRM application different data for different business opportunities previously closed and won; loading from the data store business opportunity data for a potential sale in the CRM application in association with a sales representative end user of the CRM application; generating a visualization for an aggregation of the different data representative of an optimal sales opportunity and also generating a visualization from the business opportunity data for the potential sale; displaying a comparison of the visualizations in a user interface to the CRM application; and, providing in the user interface an alert responsive to a determination that the visualization from the business opportunity data for the potential sale varies by a threshold amount from the visualization for the aggregation of the different data representative of the optimal sales opportunity. 14. The computer program product of claim 13, wherein the data for the different business opportunities previously closed and won includes a correlation between timing information pertaining to a transitioning of each of the business opportunities previously closed and won from one stage of a sales cycle to another. 15. The computer program product of claim 14, wherein the data for the different business opportunities previously closed and won also includes a correlation between timing information pertaining to an occurrence of different actions in the CRM application and the timing information pertaining to the transitioning of each of the business opportunities previously closed and won from one stage of the sales cycle to another. 16. The computer program product of claim 15, wherein the alert includes a list of one or more of the different actions correlated with a transitioning of the different business opportunities previously closed and won from a stage of the sales cycle contemporaneously associated with business opportunity data for the potential sale and a next stage of the sales cycle. 17. The computer program product of claim 13, wherein the different actions include a meeting, a telephone call and a task. 18. The computer program product of claim 13, wherein the method further comprises:
specifying in connection the business opportunity data for the potential sale, a hypothetical action in association with a sales representative end user of the CRM application; re-generating the visualization from the business opportunity data for the potential sale as if the hypothetical action had been contemporaneously performed; and, re-displaying a comparison of the visualizations in the user interface to the CRM application. | Embodiments of the invention provide a method, system and computer program product for optimal sales opportunity visualization in a CRM application. The method includes storing different data for different business opportunities previously closed and won. The method also includes loading from the data store business opportunity data for a potential sale. The method further includes generating a visualization for an aggregation of the different data representative of an optimal sales opportunity and also generating a visualization from the business opportunity data for the potential sale. Finally, the method includes displaying a comparison of the visualizations and providing an alert responsive to a determination that the visualization from the business opportunity data for the potential sale varies by a threshold amount from the visualization for the aggregation of the different data representative of the optimal sales opportunity.1. A method for optimal sales opportunity visualization in a customer relationship management (CRM) application, comprising:
storing in a data store of the CRM application different data for different business opportunities previously closed and won; loading from the data store business opportunity data for a potential sale in the CRM application in association with a sales representative end user of the CRM application; generating a visualization for an aggregation of the different data representative of an optimal sales opportunity and also generating a visualization from the business opportunity data for the potential sale; displaying a comparison of the visualizations in a user interface to the CRM application; and, providing in the user interface an alert responsive to a determination that the visualization from the business opportunity data for the potential sale varies by a threshold amount from the visualization for the aggregation of the different data representative of the optimal sales opportunity. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the data for the different business opportunities previously closed and won includes a correlation between timing information pertaining to a transitioning of each of the business opportunities previously closed and won from one stage of a sales cycle to another. 3. The method of claim 2, wherein the data for the different business opportunities previously closed and won also includes a correlation between timing information pertaining to an occurrence of different actions in the CRM application and the timing information pertaining to the transitioning of each of the business opportunities previously closed and won from one stage of the sales cycle to another. 4. The method of claim 3, wherein the alert includes a list of one or more of the different actions correlated with a transitioning of the different business opportunities previously closed and won from a stage of the sales cycle contemporaneously associated with business opportunity data for the potential sale and a next stage of the sales cycle. 5. The method of claim 1, wherein the different actions include a meeting, a telephone call and a task. 6. The method of claim 1, further comprising:
specifying in connection the business opportunity data for the potential sale, a hypothetical action in association with a sales representative end user of the CRM application; re-generating the visualization from the business opportunity data for the potential sale as if the hypothetical action had been contemporaneously performed; and, re-displaying a comparison of the visualizations in the user interface to the CRM application. 7. A customer relationship management (CRM) data processing system configured for optimal sales opportunity visualization, the system comprising:
a host computing system comprising at least one computer with memory and at least one processor; a CRM application executing in the memory of the host computing system; a data store of the CRM application storing different data for different business opportunities previously closed and won as well as business opportunity data for different potential sales in the CRM application in association with different sales representative end users of the CRM application; and, an optimal sales opportunity visualization module coupled to the CRM application, the module comprising program code enabled upon execution in the memory of the host computing system to load from the data store business opportunity data for a potential sale in the CRM application in association with a sales representative end user of the CRM application, to generate a visualization for an aggregation of the different data representative of an optimal sales opportunity and also generating a visualization from the business opportunity data for the potential sale, to display a comparison of the visualizations in a user interface to the CRM application, and to provide in the user interface an alert responsive to a determination that the visualization from the business opportunity data for the potential sale varies by a threshold amount from the visualization for the aggregation of the different data representative of the optimal sales opportunity. 8. The system of claim 7, wherein the data for the different business opportunities previously closed and won includes a correlation between timing information pertaining to a transitioning of each of the business opportunities previously closed and won from one stage of a sales cycle to another. 9. The system of claim 8, wherein the data for the different business opportunities previously closed and won also includes a correlation between timing information pertaining to an occurrence of different actions in the CRM application and the timing information pertaining to the transitioning of each of the business opportunities previously closed and won from one stage of the sales cycle to another. 10. The system of claim 9, wherein the alert includes a list of one or more of the different actions correlated with a transitioning of the different business opportunities previously closed and won from a stage of the sales cycle contemporaneously associated with business opportunity data for the potential sale and a next stage of the sales cycle. 11. The system of claim 7, wherein the different actions include a meeting, a telephone call and a task. 12. The system of claim 7, wherein the program code is further enabled to specify in connection the business opportunity data for the potential sale, a hypothetical action in association with a sales representative end user of the CRM application, to re-generate the visualization from the business opportunity data for the potential sale as if the hypothetical action had been contemporaneously performed, and to re-display a comparison of the visualizations in the user interface to the CRM application. 13. A computer program product for optimal sales opportunity visualization in a customer relationship management (CRM) application, the computer program product comprising a computer readable storage medium having program instructions embodied therewith, the program instructions executable by a device to cause the device to perform a method comprising:
storing in a data store of the CRM application different data for different business opportunities previously closed and won; loading from the data store business opportunity data for a potential sale in the CRM application in association with a sales representative end user of the CRM application; generating a visualization for an aggregation of the different data representative of an optimal sales opportunity and also generating a visualization from the business opportunity data for the potential sale; displaying a comparison of the visualizations in a user interface to the CRM application; and, providing in the user interface an alert responsive to a determination that the visualization from the business opportunity data for the potential sale varies by a threshold amount from the visualization for the aggregation of the different data representative of the optimal sales opportunity. 14. The computer program product of claim 13, wherein the data for the different business opportunities previously closed and won includes a correlation between timing information pertaining to a transitioning of each of the business opportunities previously closed and won from one stage of a sales cycle to another. 15. The computer program product of claim 14, wherein the data for the different business opportunities previously closed and won also includes a correlation between timing information pertaining to an occurrence of different actions in the CRM application and the timing information pertaining to the transitioning of each of the business opportunities previously closed and won from one stage of the sales cycle to another. 16. The computer program product of claim 15, wherein the alert includes a list of one or more of the different actions correlated with a transitioning of the different business opportunities previously closed and won from a stage of the sales cycle contemporaneously associated with business opportunity data for the potential sale and a next stage of the sales cycle. 17. The computer program product of claim 13, wherein the different actions include a meeting, a telephone call and a task. 18. The computer program product of claim 13, wherein the method further comprises:
specifying in connection the business opportunity data for the potential sale, a hypothetical action in association with a sales representative end user of the CRM application; re-generating the visualization from the business opportunity data for the potential sale as if the hypothetical action had been contemporaneously performed; and, re-displaying a comparison of the visualizations in the user interface to the CRM application. | 3,600 |
12,763 | 12,763 | 14,223,251 | 3,619 | A cushion assembly includes a cover having a perimeter panel providing a perimeter height. Spaced apart cover panels extend between the perimeter panels. The perimeter and cover panels together provide a cushion cavity. A cushion includes randomly oriented fibers bonded to one another to provide a core of a batt that has opposing surfaces. In one disclosed example, the fibers are polyester and include an average length randomly oriented in three dimensions. The core has a thickness that is greater than the average length to accommodate the average length in all three dimensions. The batt includes manufactured, tufted and desired design heights. A tuft extends through the cushion to the opposing surfaces to maintain the cushion in the tufted height, which is less than the manufactured height. The cushion is provided with the desired design height with the tufted cushion arranged within the cushion cavity, the desired design height less than the manufactured height and more than the tufted height. | 1. A cushion assembly comprising:
a cover having a perimeter panel providing a perimeter height and spaced apart cover panels extending between the perimeter panels, the perimeter and cover panels providing a cushion cavity; and a cushion including randomly oriented fibers bonded to one another to provide a batt having opposing surfaces, the batt having manufactured, tufted and desired design heights, and a tuft extending through the cushion to the opposing surfaces maintaining the cushion in the tufted height, which is less than the manufactured height, the desired design height is provided with the tufted cushion arranged within the cushion cavity, the desired design height less than the manufactured height and greater than the tufted height and perimeter height. 2. The cushion assembly according to claim 1, wherein desired design height is variable, the cover panels are crowned to provide an apex at a generally central location that has a greater height than that of the desired design height between the cover panels immediately surrounding the apex. 3. The cushion assembly according to claim 2, wherein the desired design height at the apex is at least approximately 120% the perimeter height. 4. The cushion assembly according to claim 1, wherein the tuft is contained within the cover without being provided on an outer surface of the cover, the tuft not visible through the cover with the cushion assembly exposed. 5. The cushion assembly according to claim 1, wherein the fibers are polyester and include an average length are randomly oriented in three dimensions, the batt having a thickness that is greater than the average length to accommodate the average length in all three dimensions. 6. The cushion assembly according to claim 5, wherein the batt includes a core constructed from the three dimensionally randomly oriented fibers, and a topper layer on each of opposite sides of the core, the topper layers providing the opposing surfaces. 7. The cushion assembly according to claim 6, wherein the core provides at least 50-75% of the manufactured height. 8. The cushion assembly according to claim 6, wherein a wrap substantially surrounds the batt and is arranged between the batt and the cover. 9. The cushion assembly according to claim 1, wherein the tufted height is at least less than approximately 95% of the manufactured height. 10. The cushion assembly according to claim 9, wherein the batt includes a first density at the manufactured height and a second density at the tufted height, the second density being at least 110% of the first density. 11. The cushion assembly according to claim 10, wherein the perimeter height is approximately 90%-98% of the tufted height. 12. A tufted cushion assembly comprising:
a core made of first polymer fibers, the first polymer fibers being randomly oriented; at least one topper layer made of second polymer fibers, the second polymer fibers being randomly oriented, the at least one topper layer being arranged adjacent to a surface of the core, and the at least one topper layer having a density different than the core; and a tuft extending through the core and the at least one topper layer to provide a tufted cushion assembly. 13. The assembly according to claim 12, wherein the tufted cushion assembly provides a support factor of less than or equal to 3. 14. The assembly according to claim 13, wherein the support factor is determined using a 4-inch tall sample of the tufted cushion assembly at the tufted height. 15. The assembly according to claim 12, wherein the at least one topper layer includes two topper layers arranged on opposite sides of the core. 16. The assembly according to claim 12, further comprising multiple tufts having a length generally corresponding to the tufted height and provided by a body having opposing heads, the heads abutting opposing surfaces of the cushion to retain the cushion at the tufted height. 17. The assembly according to claim 12, wherein the core and the at least one topper layer have different densities when at respective manufactured heights. 18. The assembly according to claim 12, wherein the first polymer fibers are first polyester fibers. 19. The assembly according to claim 18, wherein the second polymer fibers are second polyester fibers. | A cushion assembly includes a cover having a perimeter panel providing a perimeter height. Spaced apart cover panels extend between the perimeter panels. The perimeter and cover panels together provide a cushion cavity. A cushion includes randomly oriented fibers bonded to one another to provide a core of a batt that has opposing surfaces. In one disclosed example, the fibers are polyester and include an average length randomly oriented in three dimensions. The core has a thickness that is greater than the average length to accommodate the average length in all three dimensions. The batt includes manufactured, tufted and desired design heights. A tuft extends through the cushion to the opposing surfaces to maintain the cushion in the tufted height, which is less than the manufactured height. The cushion is provided with the desired design height with the tufted cushion arranged within the cushion cavity, the desired design height less than the manufactured height and more than the tufted height.1. A cushion assembly comprising:
a cover having a perimeter panel providing a perimeter height and spaced apart cover panels extending between the perimeter panels, the perimeter and cover panels providing a cushion cavity; and a cushion including randomly oriented fibers bonded to one another to provide a batt having opposing surfaces, the batt having manufactured, tufted and desired design heights, and a tuft extending through the cushion to the opposing surfaces maintaining the cushion in the tufted height, which is less than the manufactured height, the desired design height is provided with the tufted cushion arranged within the cushion cavity, the desired design height less than the manufactured height and greater than the tufted height and perimeter height. 2. The cushion assembly according to claim 1, wherein desired design height is variable, the cover panels are crowned to provide an apex at a generally central location that has a greater height than that of the desired design height between the cover panels immediately surrounding the apex. 3. The cushion assembly according to claim 2, wherein the desired design height at the apex is at least approximately 120% the perimeter height. 4. The cushion assembly according to claim 1, wherein the tuft is contained within the cover without being provided on an outer surface of the cover, the tuft not visible through the cover with the cushion assembly exposed. 5. The cushion assembly according to claim 1, wherein the fibers are polyester and include an average length are randomly oriented in three dimensions, the batt having a thickness that is greater than the average length to accommodate the average length in all three dimensions. 6. The cushion assembly according to claim 5, wherein the batt includes a core constructed from the three dimensionally randomly oriented fibers, and a topper layer on each of opposite sides of the core, the topper layers providing the opposing surfaces. 7. The cushion assembly according to claim 6, wherein the core provides at least 50-75% of the manufactured height. 8. The cushion assembly according to claim 6, wherein a wrap substantially surrounds the batt and is arranged between the batt and the cover. 9. The cushion assembly according to claim 1, wherein the tufted height is at least less than approximately 95% of the manufactured height. 10. The cushion assembly according to claim 9, wherein the batt includes a first density at the manufactured height and a second density at the tufted height, the second density being at least 110% of the first density. 11. The cushion assembly according to claim 10, wherein the perimeter height is approximately 90%-98% of the tufted height. 12. A tufted cushion assembly comprising:
a core made of first polymer fibers, the first polymer fibers being randomly oriented; at least one topper layer made of second polymer fibers, the second polymer fibers being randomly oriented, the at least one topper layer being arranged adjacent to a surface of the core, and the at least one topper layer having a density different than the core; and a tuft extending through the core and the at least one topper layer to provide a tufted cushion assembly. 13. The assembly according to claim 12, wherein the tufted cushion assembly provides a support factor of less than or equal to 3. 14. The assembly according to claim 13, wherein the support factor is determined using a 4-inch tall sample of the tufted cushion assembly at the tufted height. 15. The assembly according to claim 12, wherein the at least one topper layer includes two topper layers arranged on opposite sides of the core. 16. The assembly according to claim 12, further comprising multiple tufts having a length generally corresponding to the tufted height and provided by a body having opposing heads, the heads abutting opposing surfaces of the cushion to retain the cushion at the tufted height. 17. The assembly according to claim 12, wherein the core and the at least one topper layer have different densities when at respective manufactured heights. 18. The assembly according to claim 12, wherein the first polymer fibers are first polyester fibers. 19. The assembly according to claim 18, wherein the second polymer fibers are second polyester fibers. | 3,600 |
12,764 | 12,764 | 14,553,123 | 3,681 | A system and method configured to use an authorization messaging system for payment processing to communicate, in real time during authorization of a payment transaction, loyalty reward information, such as reward balance and conversion rate between a loyalty currency and a payment currency. For example, loyalty currency conversion rate is provided in real time via the authorization response that also provides the loyalty currency balance that is redeemable for the payment transaction. The system and method allows the conversion rate to be customized and/or personalized based on the identities of the user, the merchant and the loyalty program. Merchant may provide add-on offers for certain users. | 1. A method, comprising:
receiving, in a computing apparatus configured on an electronic payment processing network, an authorization request for a payment transaction in a payment account; in response to the authorization request, identifying, by the computing apparatus configured on the electronic payment processing network, a sponsor processor controlling a loyalty program associated with the payment account; transmitting, by the computing apparatus configured on the electronic payment processing network, an authorization request to the sponsor processor to request authorization of redemption of loyalty currency from the loyalty program associated with the payment account; receiving, in the computing apparatus configured on the electronic payment processing network, an authorization response from the sponsor processor responsive to the authorization request transmitted to the sponsor processor; retrieving, by the computing apparatus configured on the electronic payment processing network, from the authorization response
a balance of loyalty currency available from the loyalty program associated with the payment account for application to the payment transaction, and
a conversion rate between the loyalty currency and a currency of the payment account; and
applying, by the computing apparatus configured on the electronic payment processing network, at least a portion of the balance of loyalty currency towards the payment transaction based on the conversion rate, during authorization of the payment transaction in the payment account. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the applying the at least a portion of the balance of loyalty currency towards the payment transaction comprises:
determining, by the computing apparatus, a modified transaction amount based on a transaction amount identified in the authorization request for the payment transaction in the payment account, and an amount of loyalty currency redeemed from the loyalty program associated with the payment account in response to the authorization response from the sponsor processor. 3. The method of claim 2, further comprising:
determining, by the computing apparatus, the amount of loyalty currency redeemed for the payment transaction based at least in part on preferences stored in association with the payment account. 4. The method of claim 2, wherein the applying the at least a portion of the balance of loyalty currency towards the payment transaction comprises:
transmitting, by the computing apparatus, an authorization request to an issuer processor for the modified transaction amount in the payment account for the payment transaction. 5. The method of claim 4, further comprising:
receiving, by the computing apparatus, an authorization response from the issuer processor approving the modified transaction amount for the payment transaction in the payment account; and providing, by the computing apparatus, an authorization response to a transaction terminal on which the payment transaction is initiated based on the authorization response from the issuer processor. 6. The method of claim 1, wherein the conversion rate is customized based on an identity of a user of the payment account. 7. The method of claim 1, wherein the conversion rate is customized based on an identity of a merchant of the payment transaction. 8. The method of claim 1, wherein the conversion rate is customized based on a time period of the payment transaction. 9. The method of claim 1, wherein the conversion rate is different from a rate for cash value of loyalty currency in the loyalty program. 10. The method of claim 9, further comprising:
settling, by the computing apparatus, with the sponsor processor for redemption of the at least a portion of the balance from the loyalty program associated with the payment account, including
deducting an amount of loyalty current redeemed from a reward account corresponding to the loyalty program associated with the payment account; and
transmitting an amount of payment currency, identified via the conversion rate, from an sponsor account to a merchant account corresponding to a transaction terminal on which the payment transaction is initiated. 11. A non-transitory computer-storage medium storing instructions configured to instruct a computing apparatus configured on an electronic payment processing network to the method, the method comprising:
receiving, in the computing apparatus configured on the electronic payment processing network, an authorization request for redemption of loyalty currency from a reward account associated with a payment account; identifying, by the computing apparatus, a balance of the reward account; determining, by the computing apparatus, a conversion rate of loyalty currency for redemption in connection with a payment transaction associated with the authorization request; generating, by the computing apparatus, an authorization response for the authorization request to include the balance and the conversion rate in the authorization response; and transmitting, by the computing apparatus, the authorization response that includes the balance and the conversion rate on the electronic payment processing network. 12. The medium of claim 11, wherein the conversion rate is determined based at least in part on an identity of a user of the payment account. 13. The medium of claim 11, wherein the conversion rate is determined based at least in part on an identity of a merchant of a transaction terminal on which the payment transaction is initiated. 14. The medium of claim 11, wherein the conversion rate is determined based at least in part on a time period of the payment transaction. 15. The medium of claim 11, wherein the conversion rate is different from a rate for cash value of loyalty currency in the reward account. 16. A computing apparatus, comprising:
at least one network interface configured to operate on an electronic payment processing network; at least one microprocessor; and memory storing instructions configured to instruct the at least one microprocessor to:
receive, via the at least one network interface configured on the electronic payment processing network, an authorization request for a payment transaction in a payment account;
identify, in response to the authorization request, a sponsor processor controlling a reward account associated with the payment account;
transmit, via the at least one network interface configured on the electronic payment processing network, an authorization request to the sponsor processor to request authorization of redemption of loyalty currency from the reward account associated with the payment account;
receive, via the at least one network interface configured on the electronic payment processing network, an authorization response from the sponsor processor responsive to the authorization request transmitted to the sponsor processor;
extract from the authorization response
a balance of loyalty currency available from the loyalty program associated with the payment account for application to the payment transaction, and
a conversion rate between the loyalty currency and a currency of the payment account; and
apply at least a portion of the balance of loyalty currency towards the payment transaction based on the conversion rate, during authorization of the payment transaction in the payment account. 17. The computing apparatus of claim 16, wherein to apply the at least a portion of the balance of loyalty currency towards the payment transaction, the computing apparatus is configured via the instructions to
determine a modified transaction amount based on a transaction amount identified in the authorization request for the payment transaction in the payment account, and an amount of loyalty currency redeemed from the reward account associated with the payment account in response to the authorization response from the sponsor processor. 18. The computing apparatus of claim 17, wherein the instructions are further configured to instruct the computing apparatus to:
determine the amount of loyalty currency redeemed for the payment transaction based at least in part on preferences stored in association with the payment account. 19. The computing apparatus of claim 17, wherein to apply the at least a portion of the balance of loyalty currency towards the payment transaction, the computing apparatus is configured via the instructions to:
transmit, via the at least one network interface, an authorization request to an issuer processor for the modified transaction amount in the payment account for the payment transaction. 20. The computing apparatus of claim 19, wherein the instructions are further configured to instruct the computing apparatus to
receive, via the at least one network interface, an authorization response from the issuer processor approving the modified transaction amount for the payment transaction in the payment account; and provide, via the at least one network interface, an authorization response to a transaction terminal on which the payment transaction is initiated based on the authorization response from the issuer processor. | A system and method configured to use an authorization messaging system for payment processing to communicate, in real time during authorization of a payment transaction, loyalty reward information, such as reward balance and conversion rate between a loyalty currency and a payment currency. For example, loyalty currency conversion rate is provided in real time via the authorization response that also provides the loyalty currency balance that is redeemable for the payment transaction. The system and method allows the conversion rate to be customized and/or personalized based on the identities of the user, the merchant and the loyalty program. Merchant may provide add-on offers for certain users.1. A method, comprising:
receiving, in a computing apparatus configured on an electronic payment processing network, an authorization request for a payment transaction in a payment account; in response to the authorization request, identifying, by the computing apparatus configured on the electronic payment processing network, a sponsor processor controlling a loyalty program associated with the payment account; transmitting, by the computing apparatus configured on the electronic payment processing network, an authorization request to the sponsor processor to request authorization of redemption of loyalty currency from the loyalty program associated with the payment account; receiving, in the computing apparatus configured on the electronic payment processing network, an authorization response from the sponsor processor responsive to the authorization request transmitted to the sponsor processor; retrieving, by the computing apparatus configured on the electronic payment processing network, from the authorization response
a balance of loyalty currency available from the loyalty program associated with the payment account for application to the payment transaction, and
a conversion rate between the loyalty currency and a currency of the payment account; and
applying, by the computing apparatus configured on the electronic payment processing network, at least a portion of the balance of loyalty currency towards the payment transaction based on the conversion rate, during authorization of the payment transaction in the payment account. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the applying the at least a portion of the balance of loyalty currency towards the payment transaction comprises:
determining, by the computing apparatus, a modified transaction amount based on a transaction amount identified in the authorization request for the payment transaction in the payment account, and an amount of loyalty currency redeemed from the loyalty program associated with the payment account in response to the authorization response from the sponsor processor. 3. The method of claim 2, further comprising:
determining, by the computing apparatus, the amount of loyalty currency redeemed for the payment transaction based at least in part on preferences stored in association with the payment account. 4. The method of claim 2, wherein the applying the at least a portion of the balance of loyalty currency towards the payment transaction comprises:
transmitting, by the computing apparatus, an authorization request to an issuer processor for the modified transaction amount in the payment account for the payment transaction. 5. The method of claim 4, further comprising:
receiving, by the computing apparatus, an authorization response from the issuer processor approving the modified transaction amount for the payment transaction in the payment account; and providing, by the computing apparatus, an authorization response to a transaction terminal on which the payment transaction is initiated based on the authorization response from the issuer processor. 6. The method of claim 1, wherein the conversion rate is customized based on an identity of a user of the payment account. 7. The method of claim 1, wherein the conversion rate is customized based on an identity of a merchant of the payment transaction. 8. The method of claim 1, wherein the conversion rate is customized based on a time period of the payment transaction. 9. The method of claim 1, wherein the conversion rate is different from a rate for cash value of loyalty currency in the loyalty program. 10. The method of claim 9, further comprising:
settling, by the computing apparatus, with the sponsor processor for redemption of the at least a portion of the balance from the loyalty program associated with the payment account, including
deducting an amount of loyalty current redeemed from a reward account corresponding to the loyalty program associated with the payment account; and
transmitting an amount of payment currency, identified via the conversion rate, from an sponsor account to a merchant account corresponding to a transaction terminal on which the payment transaction is initiated. 11. A non-transitory computer-storage medium storing instructions configured to instruct a computing apparatus configured on an electronic payment processing network to the method, the method comprising:
receiving, in the computing apparatus configured on the electronic payment processing network, an authorization request for redemption of loyalty currency from a reward account associated with a payment account; identifying, by the computing apparatus, a balance of the reward account; determining, by the computing apparatus, a conversion rate of loyalty currency for redemption in connection with a payment transaction associated with the authorization request; generating, by the computing apparatus, an authorization response for the authorization request to include the balance and the conversion rate in the authorization response; and transmitting, by the computing apparatus, the authorization response that includes the balance and the conversion rate on the electronic payment processing network. 12. The medium of claim 11, wherein the conversion rate is determined based at least in part on an identity of a user of the payment account. 13. The medium of claim 11, wherein the conversion rate is determined based at least in part on an identity of a merchant of a transaction terminal on which the payment transaction is initiated. 14. The medium of claim 11, wherein the conversion rate is determined based at least in part on a time period of the payment transaction. 15. The medium of claim 11, wherein the conversion rate is different from a rate for cash value of loyalty currency in the reward account. 16. A computing apparatus, comprising:
at least one network interface configured to operate on an electronic payment processing network; at least one microprocessor; and memory storing instructions configured to instruct the at least one microprocessor to:
receive, via the at least one network interface configured on the electronic payment processing network, an authorization request for a payment transaction in a payment account;
identify, in response to the authorization request, a sponsor processor controlling a reward account associated with the payment account;
transmit, via the at least one network interface configured on the electronic payment processing network, an authorization request to the sponsor processor to request authorization of redemption of loyalty currency from the reward account associated with the payment account;
receive, via the at least one network interface configured on the electronic payment processing network, an authorization response from the sponsor processor responsive to the authorization request transmitted to the sponsor processor;
extract from the authorization response
a balance of loyalty currency available from the loyalty program associated with the payment account for application to the payment transaction, and
a conversion rate between the loyalty currency and a currency of the payment account; and
apply at least a portion of the balance of loyalty currency towards the payment transaction based on the conversion rate, during authorization of the payment transaction in the payment account. 17. The computing apparatus of claim 16, wherein to apply the at least a portion of the balance of loyalty currency towards the payment transaction, the computing apparatus is configured via the instructions to
determine a modified transaction amount based on a transaction amount identified in the authorization request for the payment transaction in the payment account, and an amount of loyalty currency redeemed from the reward account associated with the payment account in response to the authorization response from the sponsor processor. 18. The computing apparatus of claim 17, wherein the instructions are further configured to instruct the computing apparatus to:
determine the amount of loyalty currency redeemed for the payment transaction based at least in part on preferences stored in association with the payment account. 19. The computing apparatus of claim 17, wherein to apply the at least a portion of the balance of loyalty currency towards the payment transaction, the computing apparatus is configured via the instructions to:
transmit, via the at least one network interface, an authorization request to an issuer processor for the modified transaction amount in the payment account for the payment transaction. 20. The computing apparatus of claim 19, wherein the instructions are further configured to instruct the computing apparatus to
receive, via the at least one network interface, an authorization response from the issuer processor approving the modified transaction amount for the payment transaction in the payment account; and provide, via the at least one network interface, an authorization response to a transaction terminal on which the payment transaction is initiated based on the authorization response from the issuer processor. | 3,600 |
12,765 | 12,765 | 15,340,817 | 3,668 | A method of positioning an electric vehicle, such as a battery electric vehicle, plug-in hybrid electric vehicle, or similar vehicle relative to a charging point includes receiving at the vehicle a global positioning system (GPS) signal, receiving at the vehicle a global positioning system correction signal, correcting the global positioning system signal using the global positioning system correction signal, and positioning the vehicle relative to the charging point using the corrected global positioning system signal such that the vehicle can be charged by the charging point. | 1. A method of positioning an electric vehicle relative to a charging point, comprising:
receiving at the vehicle a global positioning system (GPS) signal; receiving at the vehicle a GPS correction signal; correcting the GPS signal using the GPS correction signal; and positioning the vehicle relative to the charging point using the corrected global GPS signal such that the vehicle can be charged by the charging point. 2. The method of claim 1 wherein the GPS correction signal is received from a stationary reference transmitter. 3. The method of claim 1 wherein the GPS correction signal is received from a cellular network. 4. The method of claim 1 wherein the GPS correction signal is received from a digital audio broadcasting signal. 5. The method of claim 1 further comprising corroborating accuracy of the GPS correction signal by comparing a first GPS correction signal and a second GPS correction signal. 6. The method of claim 1 further comprising receiving at the vehicle positional data regarding position of the charging point such that the vehicle can determine the position of the charging point. 7. The method of claim 6 wherein the positional data is transmitted from the charging point. 8. The method of claim 1 wherein position the vehicle comprises positioning the vehicle using an automatic parking assist system of the vehicle. 9. The method of claim 1 wherein the GPS correction signal enables the vehicle to be positioned within a range of approximately 10 cm relative to the charging point. 10. An electric vehicle comprising:
a receiver system configured to receive a global positioning system (GPS) signal and a GPS correction signal; and a controller configured to correct the GPS signal using the GPS correction signal, the corrected GPS signal being used to position the vehicle relative to an electric vehicle charging point such that the vehicle can be charged by the charging point. 11. The electric vehicle of claim 10 wherein the electric vehicle is configured to receive the GPS correction signal from the charging point. 12. The electric vehicle of claim 10 wherein the electric vehicle is configured to receive positional data of the charging point. 13. The electric vehicle of claim 10 further comprising an automatic parking assist system configured to position the vehicle relative to the charging point using the corrected GPS signal. 14. An electric vehicle charging system comprising:
a receiver system provided on an electric vehicle, the receiver system being configured to receive a global positioning system (GPS) signal and a GPS correction signal; a charging point configured to charge the electric vehicle; and a controller configured to correct the GPS signal using the GPS correction signal, the corrected GPS signal being used to position the electric vehicle relative to an electric vehicle charging point. 15. The electric vehicle charging system of claim 14 further comprising a stationary reference transmitter configured to transmit the GPS correction signal. 16. The electric vehicle charging system of claim 15, wherein the charging point comprises the stationary reference transmitter. 17. The electric vehicle charging system of claim 15 wherein the GPS correction signal is received from a cellular network. 18. The electric vehicle charging system of claim 15 wherein the controller comprises a vehicle computing system. 19. The electric vehicle charging system of claim 15 wherein the electric vehicle comprises a parking assist feature configured to maneuver the vehicle into position for charging from the charging point using the GPS correction signal. 20. The electric vehicle charging system of claim 15 wherein the charging point transmits the GPS correction signal for use by the electric vehicle. | A method of positioning an electric vehicle, such as a battery electric vehicle, plug-in hybrid electric vehicle, or similar vehicle relative to a charging point includes receiving at the vehicle a global positioning system (GPS) signal, receiving at the vehicle a global positioning system correction signal, correcting the global positioning system signal using the global positioning system correction signal, and positioning the vehicle relative to the charging point using the corrected global positioning system signal such that the vehicle can be charged by the charging point.1. A method of positioning an electric vehicle relative to a charging point, comprising:
receiving at the vehicle a global positioning system (GPS) signal; receiving at the vehicle a GPS correction signal; correcting the GPS signal using the GPS correction signal; and positioning the vehicle relative to the charging point using the corrected global GPS signal such that the vehicle can be charged by the charging point. 2. The method of claim 1 wherein the GPS correction signal is received from a stationary reference transmitter. 3. The method of claim 1 wherein the GPS correction signal is received from a cellular network. 4. The method of claim 1 wherein the GPS correction signal is received from a digital audio broadcasting signal. 5. The method of claim 1 further comprising corroborating accuracy of the GPS correction signal by comparing a first GPS correction signal and a second GPS correction signal. 6. The method of claim 1 further comprising receiving at the vehicle positional data regarding position of the charging point such that the vehicle can determine the position of the charging point. 7. The method of claim 6 wherein the positional data is transmitted from the charging point. 8. The method of claim 1 wherein position the vehicle comprises positioning the vehicle using an automatic parking assist system of the vehicle. 9. The method of claim 1 wherein the GPS correction signal enables the vehicle to be positioned within a range of approximately 10 cm relative to the charging point. 10. An electric vehicle comprising:
a receiver system configured to receive a global positioning system (GPS) signal and a GPS correction signal; and a controller configured to correct the GPS signal using the GPS correction signal, the corrected GPS signal being used to position the vehicle relative to an electric vehicle charging point such that the vehicle can be charged by the charging point. 11. The electric vehicle of claim 10 wherein the electric vehicle is configured to receive the GPS correction signal from the charging point. 12. The electric vehicle of claim 10 wherein the electric vehicle is configured to receive positional data of the charging point. 13. The electric vehicle of claim 10 further comprising an automatic parking assist system configured to position the vehicle relative to the charging point using the corrected GPS signal. 14. An electric vehicle charging system comprising:
a receiver system provided on an electric vehicle, the receiver system being configured to receive a global positioning system (GPS) signal and a GPS correction signal; a charging point configured to charge the electric vehicle; and a controller configured to correct the GPS signal using the GPS correction signal, the corrected GPS signal being used to position the electric vehicle relative to an electric vehicle charging point. 15. The electric vehicle charging system of claim 14 further comprising a stationary reference transmitter configured to transmit the GPS correction signal. 16. The electric vehicle charging system of claim 15, wherein the charging point comprises the stationary reference transmitter. 17. The electric vehicle charging system of claim 15 wherein the GPS correction signal is received from a cellular network. 18. The electric vehicle charging system of claim 15 wherein the controller comprises a vehicle computing system. 19. The electric vehicle charging system of claim 15 wherein the electric vehicle comprises a parking assist feature configured to maneuver the vehicle into position for charging from the charging point using the GPS correction signal. 20. The electric vehicle charging system of claim 15 wherein the charging point transmits the GPS correction signal for use by the electric vehicle. | 3,600 |
12,766 | 12,766 | 13,253,957 | 3,622 | A system for targeting contextually relevant digital communications based on past, current, or forecasted weather conditions is disclosed. The system receives passive location information from a viewer and a real-time feed of weather information from a weather database. The disclosed system assesses the weather condition in a given location and then manages the display and rotation of advertisements with both direct and indirect weather dependencies. | 1. A method of analyzing weather data to improve the selection of contextually relevant communication, comprising:
a. receiving passive geolocation information, b. receiving weather data relevant to the location, c. analyzing the weather data to identify a weather condition, d. accessing a database containing a plurality of available advertisements assigned to weather conditions, e. selecting a communication associated with the identified weather condition. 2. The method of claim 1, further comprising, providing the selected communication to a remote display device. 3. The method of claim 2, further comprising, instructing a communications platform to display or rotate an advertisement. 4. The method of claim 1, where the “receiving weather data” step includes receiving current weather data. 5. The method of claim 4, wherein the received current weather data includes METAR codes. 6. The method of claim 4, where the current weather data includes data received from a radar based weather database. 7. The method of claim 6, where the current weather data further includes data received from an observation based weather database, and, such observation based data is used to confirm and refine the radar-sourced data. 8. The method of claim 1, where the “receiving weather data” step includes receiving:
recent historical weather data. 9. The method of claim 1, where the “receiving weather data” step includes receiving:
forecasted weather data. 10. The method of claim 1, where the “receiving weather data” step includes receiving:
climatological weather data. 11. The method of claim 1, wherein,
a. the “receiving weather data” step includes receiving:
i. current temperature information, and
ii. climatological data; and
b. the “analyzing the weather data” step includes a temperature threshold analysis, wherein,
i. a temperature-anomaly weather condition is identified if the current temperature is above or below the climatological mean temperature for the date, time and location at which the communication is to be displayed. 12. The method of claim 1, wherein,
a. the “receiving weather data” step includes receiving:
i. current temperature information, and
ii. climatological data; and
b. the “analyzing the weather data” step includes a temperature threshold analysis, wherein,
i. a temperature-anomaly weather condition is identified if the current temperature is at least 5 degrees above or below the climatological mean temperature for the date, time and location at which the communication is to be displayed. 13. The method of claim 1, wherein,
a. the “receiving weather data” step includes receiving:
i. current temperature information, and
ii. climatological data; and
b. the “analyzing the weather data” step includes a temperature threshold analysis, wherein,
i. a temperature-anomaly weather condition is identified if the season is spring or summer and the temperature is at least 5 degrees above the climatological mean temperature for the date, time and location at which the communication is to be displayed. 14. The method of claim 1, wherein,
a. the “receiving weather data” step includes receiving:
i. current temperature information, and
ii. climatological data; and
b. the “analyzing the weather data” step includes a temperature threshold analysis, wherein,
i. a temperature-anomaly weather condition is identified if the season is fall or winter and the temperature is at least 5 degrees below the climatological mean temperature for the date, time and location at which the communication is to be displayed. 15. The method of claim 1, wherein,
a. the “receiving weather data” step includes receiving:
i. current temperature information, and
ii. climatological data; and
b. the “analyzing the weather data” step includes a temperature threshold analysis, wherein,
i. a record-temperature-anomaly weather condition is identified if the temperature sets a record high or record low temperature for the date, time and location at which the advertisement is to be displayed. 16. The method of claim 1, wherein,
a. the “analyzing” step includes identifying the existence of weather conditions including: rain, snow, ice, anomalous heat, anomalous cold, or wind; and b. the “selecting” step includes using the existence of a weather condition to trigger the selection of a communication assigned to the identified weather condition. 17. The method of claim 16 wherein,
a. the “analyzing” step includes determining the magnitude of the identified weather condition, and,
b. the “selecting” step includes using the magnitude of the identified weather condition as a weighted factor in selecting an advertisement. 18. The method of claim 1, wherein,
a. the “received weather data” includes current weather data, and, b. the “analyzing” step includes identifying the type of precipitation. 19. The method of claim 1, wherein,
a. the “received weather data” includes current weather data, and, b. the “analyzing” step includes identifying the existence of rain, snow, hail, freezing rain or sleet. 20. The method of claim 19, wherein the weather data analysis step includes:
a. the “received weather data” includes current observation data, and b. the “analyzing” step includes using the observation data to confirm and refine the weather condition identified using other weather data. 21. The method of claim 1, wherein,
a. “receiving weather data” includes
i. receiving current radar data, and
ii. receiving current observation data; and
b. the “analyzing” step includes,
i. identifying the type of precipitation through the radar data,
ii. confirming the radar data identification with observation data. 22. The method of claim 1, wherein
a. the “receiving weather data” step includes receiving METAR codes, and, b. the “analyzing” step includes using the METAR code to identify the existence and intensity of a rain or snow type weather condition. 23. The method of claim 1, wherein,
a. the “receiving weather data” step includes receiving current and climatological weather data, and b. the “analyzing” step includes using the radar data to identify the existence, type and rate of a precipitation weather condition, and c. comparing the rate of precipitation to the climatological precipitation norms for the date time and location at which the communication is to be displayed. 24. The method of claim 1, wherein the “analyzing” step includes identifying the existence of a weather condition selected from the group of: thunder, high wind, fog, high or low humidity; 25. The method of claim 24, wherein the “analyzing” step includes: identifying the magnitude of the weather condition. 26. The method of claim 1, wherein the “analyzing” step includes identifying the existence of a weather condition selected from the group of: fog, sunshine, cloudiness, and air quality. 27. The method of claim 26, wherein, the “receiving weather data” step includes receiving current satellite data. 28. The method of claim 1, wherein,
a. the “receiving weather data” step includes receiving dew point and temperature information; and, b. the “analyzing” step includes analyzing dew point data for an anomalously high or low dew point. 29. The method of claim 1, wherein the “analyzing” step includes: determining forecasted duration and forecasted intensity of the predicted weather condition. 30. The method of claim 1, wherein the communication includes an advertisement for goods or services and the location of a retailer or service provider conveniently accessible to a person at the identified geographic location. 31. A method of analyzing weather data to improve the selection of contextually relevant communication, comprising:
a. receiving passive geolocation information, b. receiving weather data relevant to the location, c. analyzing the weather data to identify a weather condition, d. using the identified weather condition as a factor in selecting an advertisement, e. providing the selected communication to a remote display device. 32. A method of providing targeted contextual communications, comprising:
a. Receiving passive geolocation information, b. receiving weather data relevant to the geolocation, c. analyzing the weather data, d. accessing a database containing a plurality of available communications, e. using the results of the weather analysis as a factor in generating a contextual advertisement wrapper, f. providing the selected communication to a remote display device. | A system for targeting contextually relevant digital communications based on past, current, or forecasted weather conditions is disclosed. The system receives passive location information from a viewer and a real-time feed of weather information from a weather database. The disclosed system assesses the weather condition in a given location and then manages the display and rotation of advertisements with both direct and indirect weather dependencies.1. A method of analyzing weather data to improve the selection of contextually relevant communication, comprising:
a. receiving passive geolocation information, b. receiving weather data relevant to the location, c. analyzing the weather data to identify a weather condition, d. accessing a database containing a plurality of available advertisements assigned to weather conditions, e. selecting a communication associated with the identified weather condition. 2. The method of claim 1, further comprising, providing the selected communication to a remote display device. 3. The method of claim 2, further comprising, instructing a communications platform to display or rotate an advertisement. 4. The method of claim 1, where the “receiving weather data” step includes receiving current weather data. 5. The method of claim 4, wherein the received current weather data includes METAR codes. 6. The method of claim 4, where the current weather data includes data received from a radar based weather database. 7. The method of claim 6, where the current weather data further includes data received from an observation based weather database, and, such observation based data is used to confirm and refine the radar-sourced data. 8. The method of claim 1, where the “receiving weather data” step includes receiving:
recent historical weather data. 9. The method of claim 1, where the “receiving weather data” step includes receiving:
forecasted weather data. 10. The method of claim 1, where the “receiving weather data” step includes receiving:
climatological weather data. 11. The method of claim 1, wherein,
a. the “receiving weather data” step includes receiving:
i. current temperature information, and
ii. climatological data; and
b. the “analyzing the weather data” step includes a temperature threshold analysis, wherein,
i. a temperature-anomaly weather condition is identified if the current temperature is above or below the climatological mean temperature for the date, time and location at which the communication is to be displayed. 12. The method of claim 1, wherein,
a. the “receiving weather data” step includes receiving:
i. current temperature information, and
ii. climatological data; and
b. the “analyzing the weather data” step includes a temperature threshold analysis, wherein,
i. a temperature-anomaly weather condition is identified if the current temperature is at least 5 degrees above or below the climatological mean temperature for the date, time and location at which the communication is to be displayed. 13. The method of claim 1, wherein,
a. the “receiving weather data” step includes receiving:
i. current temperature information, and
ii. climatological data; and
b. the “analyzing the weather data” step includes a temperature threshold analysis, wherein,
i. a temperature-anomaly weather condition is identified if the season is spring or summer and the temperature is at least 5 degrees above the climatological mean temperature for the date, time and location at which the communication is to be displayed. 14. The method of claim 1, wherein,
a. the “receiving weather data” step includes receiving:
i. current temperature information, and
ii. climatological data; and
b. the “analyzing the weather data” step includes a temperature threshold analysis, wherein,
i. a temperature-anomaly weather condition is identified if the season is fall or winter and the temperature is at least 5 degrees below the climatological mean temperature for the date, time and location at which the communication is to be displayed. 15. The method of claim 1, wherein,
a. the “receiving weather data” step includes receiving:
i. current temperature information, and
ii. climatological data; and
b. the “analyzing the weather data” step includes a temperature threshold analysis, wherein,
i. a record-temperature-anomaly weather condition is identified if the temperature sets a record high or record low temperature for the date, time and location at which the advertisement is to be displayed. 16. The method of claim 1, wherein,
a. the “analyzing” step includes identifying the existence of weather conditions including: rain, snow, ice, anomalous heat, anomalous cold, or wind; and b. the “selecting” step includes using the existence of a weather condition to trigger the selection of a communication assigned to the identified weather condition. 17. The method of claim 16 wherein,
a. the “analyzing” step includes determining the magnitude of the identified weather condition, and,
b. the “selecting” step includes using the magnitude of the identified weather condition as a weighted factor in selecting an advertisement. 18. The method of claim 1, wherein,
a. the “received weather data” includes current weather data, and, b. the “analyzing” step includes identifying the type of precipitation. 19. The method of claim 1, wherein,
a. the “received weather data” includes current weather data, and, b. the “analyzing” step includes identifying the existence of rain, snow, hail, freezing rain or sleet. 20. The method of claim 19, wherein the weather data analysis step includes:
a. the “received weather data” includes current observation data, and b. the “analyzing” step includes using the observation data to confirm and refine the weather condition identified using other weather data. 21. The method of claim 1, wherein,
a. “receiving weather data” includes
i. receiving current radar data, and
ii. receiving current observation data; and
b. the “analyzing” step includes,
i. identifying the type of precipitation through the radar data,
ii. confirming the radar data identification with observation data. 22. The method of claim 1, wherein
a. the “receiving weather data” step includes receiving METAR codes, and, b. the “analyzing” step includes using the METAR code to identify the existence and intensity of a rain or snow type weather condition. 23. The method of claim 1, wherein,
a. the “receiving weather data” step includes receiving current and climatological weather data, and b. the “analyzing” step includes using the radar data to identify the existence, type and rate of a precipitation weather condition, and c. comparing the rate of precipitation to the climatological precipitation norms for the date time and location at which the communication is to be displayed. 24. The method of claim 1, wherein the “analyzing” step includes identifying the existence of a weather condition selected from the group of: thunder, high wind, fog, high or low humidity; 25. The method of claim 24, wherein the “analyzing” step includes: identifying the magnitude of the weather condition. 26. The method of claim 1, wherein the “analyzing” step includes identifying the existence of a weather condition selected from the group of: fog, sunshine, cloudiness, and air quality. 27. The method of claim 26, wherein, the “receiving weather data” step includes receiving current satellite data. 28. The method of claim 1, wherein,
a. the “receiving weather data” step includes receiving dew point and temperature information; and, b. the “analyzing” step includes analyzing dew point data for an anomalously high or low dew point. 29. The method of claim 1, wherein the “analyzing” step includes: determining forecasted duration and forecasted intensity of the predicted weather condition. 30. The method of claim 1, wherein the communication includes an advertisement for goods or services and the location of a retailer or service provider conveniently accessible to a person at the identified geographic location. 31. A method of analyzing weather data to improve the selection of contextually relevant communication, comprising:
a. receiving passive geolocation information, b. receiving weather data relevant to the location, c. analyzing the weather data to identify a weather condition, d. using the identified weather condition as a factor in selecting an advertisement, e. providing the selected communication to a remote display device. 32. A method of providing targeted contextual communications, comprising:
a. Receiving passive geolocation information, b. receiving weather data relevant to the geolocation, c. analyzing the weather data, d. accessing a database containing a plurality of available communications, e. using the results of the weather analysis as a factor in generating a contextual advertisement wrapper, f. providing the selected communication to a remote display device. | 3,600 |
12,767 | 12,767 | 15,316,066 | 3,662 | A method for operating a driver assistance system for the automated guidance of a motor vehicle, comprising the steps:
Detecting environmental data relating to the surroundings of the motor vehicle by environmental sensors of the motor vehicle as well as ego data relating to the motor vehicle, Determining several trajectories that respectively describe a possible future movement of the motor vehicle depending on the environmental data and the ego data, Selecting a reference trajectory from the determined trajectories by analyzing several evaluation criteria, wherein at least one of the evaluation criteria is a detection range criterion that analyzes at least one predicted detection range of one of the environmental sensors or of a group of the environmental sensors of the motor vehicle during a predicted movement of the motor vehicle along the respective determined trajectory, Controlling vehicle systems in order to move the motor vehicle along the reference trajectory. | 1. A method for operating a driver assistance system for the automated guidance of a motor vehicle, comprising:
detecting environmental data relating to surroundings of the motor vehicle by environmental sensors of the motor vehicle and ego data relating to the motor vehicle; determining several trajectories that respectively describe a possible future movement of the motor vehicle depending on the environmental data and the ego data; selecting a reference trajectory from the determined trajectories by analyzing several evaluation criteria, wherein at least one of the evaluation criteria is a detection range criterion that analyzes at least one predicted detection range of one of the environmental sensors or of a group of the environmental sensors of the motor vehicle during a predicted movement of the motor vehicle along the respective determined trajectory; and controlling vehicle systems in order to move the motor vehicle along the reference trajectory. 2. The process according to claim 1 wherein at least one relevant environmental element in the surroundings of the motor vehicle is determined prior to selecting the reference trajectory, wherein the detection criterion is analyzed as to what extent the relevant environmental element is located within the predicted detection range during the respective predicted movement. 3. The process according to claim 2 wherein the determined trajectories respectively include several trajectory points that are temporally spaced apart, wherein a point detection range criterion is determined for each of the trajectory points of each of the determined trajectories, wherein a predicted detection range is determined for each of the trajectory points, and wherein the point detection range criterion is respectively fulfilled if the relevant environmental element is located at least partially in the respective predicted detection range. 4. The process according to claim 3 wherein the detection range criterion is fulfilled if the proportion and/or the number of trajectory points of the respective determined trajectory, for which the point detection range criterion is fulfilled, exceeds or reaches a specified value. 5. The process according to claim 4 wherein one of the determined trajectories, for which the detection range criterion is fulfilled, is selected as reference trajectory. 6. The process according to claim 1 wherein the determined trajectories respectively include several trajectory points that are temporally spaced apart, wherein a point evaluation criterion is respectively analyzed for each of the trajectory points for at least one of the evaluation criteria in order to determine a point evaluation, wherein the evaluation criterion analyzes the point evaluation criteria associated with the trajectory points of the respective determined trajectory. 7. A motor vehicle comprising a driver assistance system for the automated guidance of the motor vehicle, the motor vehicle is designed to perform the method of claim 1. | A method for operating a driver assistance system for the automated guidance of a motor vehicle, comprising the steps:
Detecting environmental data relating to the surroundings of the motor vehicle by environmental sensors of the motor vehicle as well as ego data relating to the motor vehicle, Determining several trajectories that respectively describe a possible future movement of the motor vehicle depending on the environmental data and the ego data, Selecting a reference trajectory from the determined trajectories by analyzing several evaluation criteria, wherein at least one of the evaluation criteria is a detection range criterion that analyzes at least one predicted detection range of one of the environmental sensors or of a group of the environmental sensors of the motor vehicle during a predicted movement of the motor vehicle along the respective determined trajectory, Controlling vehicle systems in order to move the motor vehicle along the reference trajectory.1. A method for operating a driver assistance system for the automated guidance of a motor vehicle, comprising:
detecting environmental data relating to surroundings of the motor vehicle by environmental sensors of the motor vehicle and ego data relating to the motor vehicle; determining several trajectories that respectively describe a possible future movement of the motor vehicle depending on the environmental data and the ego data; selecting a reference trajectory from the determined trajectories by analyzing several evaluation criteria, wherein at least one of the evaluation criteria is a detection range criterion that analyzes at least one predicted detection range of one of the environmental sensors or of a group of the environmental sensors of the motor vehicle during a predicted movement of the motor vehicle along the respective determined trajectory; and controlling vehicle systems in order to move the motor vehicle along the reference trajectory. 2. The process according to claim 1 wherein at least one relevant environmental element in the surroundings of the motor vehicle is determined prior to selecting the reference trajectory, wherein the detection criterion is analyzed as to what extent the relevant environmental element is located within the predicted detection range during the respective predicted movement. 3. The process according to claim 2 wherein the determined trajectories respectively include several trajectory points that are temporally spaced apart, wherein a point detection range criterion is determined for each of the trajectory points of each of the determined trajectories, wherein a predicted detection range is determined for each of the trajectory points, and wherein the point detection range criterion is respectively fulfilled if the relevant environmental element is located at least partially in the respective predicted detection range. 4. The process according to claim 3 wherein the detection range criterion is fulfilled if the proportion and/or the number of trajectory points of the respective determined trajectory, for which the point detection range criterion is fulfilled, exceeds or reaches a specified value. 5. The process according to claim 4 wherein one of the determined trajectories, for which the detection range criterion is fulfilled, is selected as reference trajectory. 6. The process according to claim 1 wherein the determined trajectories respectively include several trajectory points that are temporally spaced apart, wherein a point evaluation criterion is respectively analyzed for each of the trajectory points for at least one of the evaluation criteria in order to determine a point evaluation, wherein the evaluation criterion analyzes the point evaluation criteria associated with the trajectory points of the respective determined trajectory. 7. A motor vehicle comprising a driver assistance system for the automated guidance of the motor vehicle, the motor vehicle is designed to perform the method of claim 1. | 3,600 |
12,768 | 12,768 | 14,361,925 | 3,626 | The present invention relates to systems for planning use of resources under consideration of time constraints. The present invention further relates to methods for scheduling use of resources under consideration of time constraints. | 1. A system for scheduling a sequence of examinations of a patient in a clinical setting, the system comprising:
a first data base comprising data relating to a specific type of examination, the data including time consumption, and the data relating usage of resources associated with the specific type of examination, a second data base comprising data relating a patient to an associated list of examinations that the patient is to participate in, a scheduling unit operatively coupled to the first data base and the second data base, wherein the scheduling unit is arranged for scheduling the sequence of examinations for a group of patients based on their associated list of examinations and data from the first data base under consideration of a maximum total time used on a specific patient, the sequence including information relating to time and type of examination. 2. The system according to claim 1, wherein the first data base further comprises dependency information for the specific types of examinations, and the scheduling unit is arranged for scheduling the sequence of a number of examinations in view of the dependencies. 3. The system according to claim 1, wherein the first data base further comprises information relating to estimated time use for information conveyance from a health care person to a patient for one or more of the specific type of examinations. 4. The system according to claim 1, wherein the first data base further comprises data relating to availability of clinicians and/or operators associated with a specific piece of equipment. 5. The system according to claim 1, further comprising a transmitter for transmitting a schedule comprising a sequence of examinations to a patient receiver unit. 6. The system according to claim 5, wherein the patient receiver unit further comprises information relating floor plan indicating to the patient where specific examinations occur. 7. The system according to claim 6, wherein the patient receiver unit further comprises a location detection unit and the system is arranged for determining estimated time to travel from a current location to location for next examination and convey the estimated time to travel to the patient. 8. The system according to claim 5, wherein the first data base further comprises information relating to the specific examinations and/or follow-up options, the patient receiver unit arranged for displaying text and/or video and/or audio relating to an upcoming examination in the schedule. 9. The system according to claim 1, further comprising an input unit for inputting progress information on progress of patients and the system being arranged for adapting schedules for each of the patients in the patient group based on the progress information. 10. The system according to claim 1, further comprising patient presence indication unit for indicating to the system if a patient is present at the scheduled examination at the scheduled time. 11. A method for scheduling a sequence of examinations for a group of patients using a system comprising a first data base comprising data relating to a specific type of examination, the data including time consumption, and the data relating usage of resources associated with the specific type of examination, a second data base comprising data relating a patient to an associated list of examinations that the patient is to participate in, a scheduling unit operatively coupled to the first data base and the second data base,
the sequence including information relating to time and type of examination, the method comprising: the scheduling unit determining the sequence of examinations for each individual in the group of patients based on their associated list of examinations and data from the first data base and under consideration of a maximum total time used on a specific patient. 12. The method according to claim 11, wherein the first data base further comprises dependency information for the specific types of examinations and the method comprising:
the scheduling unit determining the sequence of examinations under consideration of the dependency of each examination. 13. The method according to claim 11, further comprising:
an initial step of defining the associated list of examinations based on the specific patients medical condition. 14. The method according to claim 11, wherein the system comprises a transmitter for transmitting a schedule comprising a sequence of examinations to a patient receiver unit and the method comprises:
transmitting a schedule to a patient receiver unit associated with a specific patient. 15. The method according to claim 11, wherein the system further comprises a data acquisition module and the scheduling unit being arranged for adapting the scheduled sequence based on information from the data acquisition module, the method comprising the step of the scheduling unit adapting the scheduled sequence based on information from the data acquisition module. | The present invention relates to systems for planning use of resources under consideration of time constraints. The present invention further relates to methods for scheduling use of resources under consideration of time constraints.1. A system for scheduling a sequence of examinations of a patient in a clinical setting, the system comprising:
a first data base comprising data relating to a specific type of examination, the data including time consumption, and the data relating usage of resources associated with the specific type of examination, a second data base comprising data relating a patient to an associated list of examinations that the patient is to participate in, a scheduling unit operatively coupled to the first data base and the second data base, wherein the scheduling unit is arranged for scheduling the sequence of examinations for a group of patients based on their associated list of examinations and data from the first data base under consideration of a maximum total time used on a specific patient, the sequence including information relating to time and type of examination. 2. The system according to claim 1, wherein the first data base further comprises dependency information for the specific types of examinations, and the scheduling unit is arranged for scheduling the sequence of a number of examinations in view of the dependencies. 3. The system according to claim 1, wherein the first data base further comprises information relating to estimated time use for information conveyance from a health care person to a patient for one or more of the specific type of examinations. 4. The system according to claim 1, wherein the first data base further comprises data relating to availability of clinicians and/or operators associated with a specific piece of equipment. 5. The system according to claim 1, further comprising a transmitter for transmitting a schedule comprising a sequence of examinations to a patient receiver unit. 6. The system according to claim 5, wherein the patient receiver unit further comprises information relating floor plan indicating to the patient where specific examinations occur. 7. The system according to claim 6, wherein the patient receiver unit further comprises a location detection unit and the system is arranged for determining estimated time to travel from a current location to location for next examination and convey the estimated time to travel to the patient. 8. The system according to claim 5, wherein the first data base further comprises information relating to the specific examinations and/or follow-up options, the patient receiver unit arranged for displaying text and/or video and/or audio relating to an upcoming examination in the schedule. 9. The system according to claim 1, further comprising an input unit for inputting progress information on progress of patients and the system being arranged for adapting schedules for each of the patients in the patient group based on the progress information. 10. The system according to claim 1, further comprising patient presence indication unit for indicating to the system if a patient is present at the scheduled examination at the scheduled time. 11. A method for scheduling a sequence of examinations for a group of patients using a system comprising a first data base comprising data relating to a specific type of examination, the data including time consumption, and the data relating usage of resources associated with the specific type of examination, a second data base comprising data relating a patient to an associated list of examinations that the patient is to participate in, a scheduling unit operatively coupled to the first data base and the second data base,
the sequence including information relating to time and type of examination, the method comprising: the scheduling unit determining the sequence of examinations for each individual in the group of patients based on their associated list of examinations and data from the first data base and under consideration of a maximum total time used on a specific patient. 12. The method according to claim 11, wherein the first data base further comprises dependency information for the specific types of examinations and the method comprising:
the scheduling unit determining the sequence of examinations under consideration of the dependency of each examination. 13. The method according to claim 11, further comprising:
an initial step of defining the associated list of examinations based on the specific patients medical condition. 14. The method according to claim 11, wherein the system comprises a transmitter for transmitting a schedule comprising a sequence of examinations to a patient receiver unit and the method comprises:
transmitting a schedule to a patient receiver unit associated with a specific patient. 15. The method according to claim 11, wherein the system further comprises a data acquisition module and the scheduling unit being arranged for adapting the scheduled sequence based on information from the data acquisition module, the method comprising the step of the scheduling unit adapting the scheduled sequence based on information from the data acquisition module. | 3,600 |
12,769 | 12,769 | 13,617,438 | 3,693 | Disclosed are systems and methods for placing and processing test orders and real orders. | 1. A computerized method for trading instruments and processing test orders comprising:
receiving, in a trading and processing computer system, real orders and test orders for an instrument; matching a test order with a real order in said trading and processing computer system; responsive to said matching said test order with said real order, (1) automatically executing said test order so that said trading and processing computer system reduces a value for a quantity of said instrument associated with said test order and (2) not executing said real order so that a value for a quantity of said instrument associated with said real order remains unchanged. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein said automatically executing in response to said matching comprises updating an electronic order book to indicate changes in said electronic order book to said test order as a result of said executing. 3. The method of claim 1, wherein said executing comprises reducing a test order quantity of said test order by a real order quantity of said real order if said test order quantity exceeds said real order quantity, and removing said test order from said order book if said real order quantity equals or exceeds said test order quantity. 4. The method of claim 3, further comprising logging changes to said test order in a log file in said trading and processing computer system. 5. The method of claim 1, wherein said receiving said real orders and said test orders for an instrument comprises entering said real orders and said test orders for said instrument in an electronic order book for said instrument, wherein read and write access to said electronic order book is controlled by said trading and processing computer system. 6. The method of claim 5, wherein said electronic order book comprises a table for bid orders and a table for offer orders. 7. The method of claim 6, wherein said table for bid orders comprises at least one field indicating whether each bid order is a test bid order or a real bid order. 8. The method of claim 7, wherein said table for offer orders comprises at least one field indicating whether each offer order is a test offer order or a real offer order. 9. The method of claim 1, wherein each one of said test orders and each one of said real orders includes information defining rank, price, quantity, and UID. 10. The method of claim 1, wherein each one of said test orders and each one of said real orders includes information defining order type being at least one of real or test. 11. The method of claim 2, wherein said real order stored in said electronic order book includes information defining whether said real order was matched. 12. The method of claim 2 wherein said test order stored in said electronic order book includes information defining identifications of orders to which said test order was matched. 13. The method of claim 1 further comprising said trading and processing computer system matching a certain test order to a certain other order, determining if said certain other order contains a parameter value defined in said test order as an order execution prevention value, and if so, not executing said certain test order. 14. The method of claim 1, further comprising transmitting one of said test orders for said instrument from an order originating computer system to said trading and processing computer system. 15. The method of claim 14, further comprising a person manually entering order information defining said one of said test orders into said order originating computer system via a data input device of said order originating computer system. 16. The method of claim 14, further comprising a computer program programmatically generating in said order originating computer system information defining said one of said test orders, and programmatically instructing said order originating computer system to transmit said one of said test orders from said order originating computer system to said trading and processing computer system. 17. The method of claim 1, further comprising matching said test order with said real order in said trading and processing computer system. 18. The method of claim 1 further comprising:
matching a second test order with a second real order in said trading and processing computer system; and
responsive to said matching said second test order with said second real order, (1) automatically executing said second test order so that said trading and processing computer system reduces a value for a quantity of said instrument associated with said test order and (2) automatically executing said real order so that a value for a quantity of said instrument associated with said real order changes. 19. A computerized method for trading instruments and processing test orders comprising:
receiving, in a trading and processing computer system, real orders and test orders for an instrument; entering said real orders for said instrument in an electronic real order book, wherein read and write access to said electronic real order book is controlled by said trading and processing computer system, and wherein said electronic real order book contains a bid table containing only real bid orders and an offer table containing only real offer orders; copying said electronic real order book to generate an electronic test order book containing a bid table containing said real bid orders and an offer table containing said real offer orders; and entering into said electronic test order book a test order. 20. The method of claim 19 further comprising matching said test order to a real order, and as a result of said matching, executing both said test order and said real order in said electronic test order book. 21-27. (canceled) | Disclosed are systems and methods for placing and processing test orders and real orders.1. A computerized method for trading instruments and processing test orders comprising:
receiving, in a trading and processing computer system, real orders and test orders for an instrument; matching a test order with a real order in said trading and processing computer system; responsive to said matching said test order with said real order, (1) automatically executing said test order so that said trading and processing computer system reduces a value for a quantity of said instrument associated with said test order and (2) not executing said real order so that a value for a quantity of said instrument associated with said real order remains unchanged. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein said automatically executing in response to said matching comprises updating an electronic order book to indicate changes in said electronic order book to said test order as a result of said executing. 3. The method of claim 1, wherein said executing comprises reducing a test order quantity of said test order by a real order quantity of said real order if said test order quantity exceeds said real order quantity, and removing said test order from said order book if said real order quantity equals or exceeds said test order quantity. 4. The method of claim 3, further comprising logging changes to said test order in a log file in said trading and processing computer system. 5. The method of claim 1, wherein said receiving said real orders and said test orders for an instrument comprises entering said real orders and said test orders for said instrument in an electronic order book for said instrument, wherein read and write access to said electronic order book is controlled by said trading and processing computer system. 6. The method of claim 5, wherein said electronic order book comprises a table for bid orders and a table for offer orders. 7. The method of claim 6, wherein said table for bid orders comprises at least one field indicating whether each bid order is a test bid order or a real bid order. 8. The method of claim 7, wherein said table for offer orders comprises at least one field indicating whether each offer order is a test offer order or a real offer order. 9. The method of claim 1, wherein each one of said test orders and each one of said real orders includes information defining rank, price, quantity, and UID. 10. The method of claim 1, wherein each one of said test orders and each one of said real orders includes information defining order type being at least one of real or test. 11. The method of claim 2, wherein said real order stored in said electronic order book includes information defining whether said real order was matched. 12. The method of claim 2 wherein said test order stored in said electronic order book includes information defining identifications of orders to which said test order was matched. 13. The method of claim 1 further comprising said trading and processing computer system matching a certain test order to a certain other order, determining if said certain other order contains a parameter value defined in said test order as an order execution prevention value, and if so, not executing said certain test order. 14. The method of claim 1, further comprising transmitting one of said test orders for said instrument from an order originating computer system to said trading and processing computer system. 15. The method of claim 14, further comprising a person manually entering order information defining said one of said test orders into said order originating computer system via a data input device of said order originating computer system. 16. The method of claim 14, further comprising a computer program programmatically generating in said order originating computer system information defining said one of said test orders, and programmatically instructing said order originating computer system to transmit said one of said test orders from said order originating computer system to said trading and processing computer system. 17. The method of claim 1, further comprising matching said test order with said real order in said trading and processing computer system. 18. The method of claim 1 further comprising:
matching a second test order with a second real order in said trading and processing computer system; and
responsive to said matching said second test order with said second real order, (1) automatically executing said second test order so that said trading and processing computer system reduces a value for a quantity of said instrument associated with said test order and (2) automatically executing said real order so that a value for a quantity of said instrument associated with said real order changes. 19. A computerized method for trading instruments and processing test orders comprising:
receiving, in a trading and processing computer system, real orders and test orders for an instrument; entering said real orders for said instrument in an electronic real order book, wherein read and write access to said electronic real order book is controlled by said trading and processing computer system, and wherein said electronic real order book contains a bid table containing only real bid orders and an offer table containing only real offer orders; copying said electronic real order book to generate an electronic test order book containing a bid table containing said real bid orders and an offer table containing said real offer orders; and entering into said electronic test order book a test order. 20. The method of claim 19 further comprising matching said test order to a real order, and as a result of said matching, executing both said test order and said real order in said electronic test order book. 21-27. (canceled) | 3,600 |
12,770 | 12,770 | 13,246,783 | 3,681 | Systems and methods are provided to structure services in tiers and provide services as rewards in accordance with the tiers. In one aspect, a system stores information identifying an account holder's account and information identifying features that are associated with the account. Account features include a plurality of services that are organized in tiers and any given tier determines the benefits the account holder is entitled to in connection with a set of services associated with the account feature. The account holder's account is associated with an original tier and the system monitors subsequent transactions to determine a tier that the user is entitled to based on the transactions. The tier includes all of the services that the user was previously entitled to in addition to any new services associated with a tier change. | 1. A computer-implemented method, comprising:
storing account data identifying an account feature of an account of a user, the account feature associated with a plurality of services organized in tiers; monitoring, by a computing apparatus, transactions in the account; and determining, by the computing apparatus, a tier the user is currently entitled to based on the monitoring of the transactions, wherein the tier offers a first set of services selected from the plurality of services. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein each of the transactions is processed by a transaction handler to facilitate a payment from an issuer to an acquirer in response to an identifier of the account, as issued by the issuer to the user, being submitted by a merchant to the acquirer, the issuer to facilitate the payment on behalf of the user, the acquirer to receive the payment on behalf of the merchant. 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the services are related to emergency services. 4. The method of claim 3, wherein each of the plurality of services is pre-associated with the account feature. 5. The method of claim 3, further comprising providing a notification message for the user in response to the tier being identified for the user. 6. The method of claim 3, wherein the tier includes a further service of the plurality of services, wherein the user is not entitled to the further service prior to the determining of the tier for the user. 7. The method of claim 3, wherein the monitoring comprises determining an accumulated number of international airline tickets purchased using the account of the user within a period of time; and the tier change is in response to the accumulated number of international airline tickets, purchased using the account of the user, satisfying a threshold. 8. The method of claim 7, wherein the plurality of services includes one or more selected from the group consisting of:
emergency card replacement; emergency cash disbursement; emergency medical insurance; emergency dental insurance; emergency evacuation insurance; travel accident assistance; roadside assistance; and lost wallet protection. 9. The method of claim 8, wherein the account feature offers ID security alerts, transaction alerts, and mobile money transfer service. 10. The method of claim 1, further comprising:
enrolling the user in the account feature, wherein the enrolling transforms a financial presentation device associated with the account from a first type to a second type; and, updating the account data to associate the second type with the financial presentation device without changing the financial presentation device. 11. The method of claim 1, further comprising associating each service in the plurality of services but not in the first set of services with a fee when a spending indicator is below a threshold level corresponding to the tier of the first set of services. 12. The method of claim 1, wherein a first payment transaction triggers, when the account is used to facilitate the first payment transaction, a second payment transaction relating to at least one of the tiers. 13. The method of claim 1, wherein each of the tiers includes services predefined by an issuer for the account feature. 14. The method of claim 1, wherein when the user is determined to be entitled to the first set of services in the tier, the account feature allows the user to access a second set of services, in the plurality of services but not in the first set of services, at a discounted price per each use. 15. The method of claim 1, further comprising enrolling the account in a program that offers the account feature, and receiving a selection of a tier structure from a user when enrolling the account in the program. 16. A computer-storage device storing instructions which, when executed by a computing apparatus, cause the computing apparatus to perform a method comprising:
storing account data identifying an account feature of an account of a user, the account feature associated with a plurality of services organized in tiers; monitoring, by the computing apparatus, transactions in the account; and determining, by the computing apparatus, a tier the user is currently entitled to based on the monitoring of the transactions, wherein the tier offers a first set of services selected from the plurality of services. 17. The computer-storage device of claim 16, wherein each of the transactions is processed by a transaction handler to facilitate a payment from an issuer to an acquirer in response to an identifier of the account, as issued by the issuer to the user, being submitted by a merchant to the acquirer, the issuer to facilitate the payment on behalf of the user, the acquirer to receive the payment on behalf of the merchant. 18. The computer-storage device of claim 16, wherein the services are related to emergency services. 19. The computer-storage device of claim 18, wherein each of the plurality of services is predetermined for the account feature. 20. A system, comprising:
at least one processor; and memory storing instructions configured to instruct the at least one processor to:
store account data identifying at least one account feature of an account of a user, the account feature associated with a plurality of services organized in tiers;
monitor transactions in the account; and
determine a tier the user is currently entitled to based on monitoring of the transactions, wherein when the user is entitled to the tier, the account feature offers a first set of the services to the user without additional fees and a second set of the services with additional fees. | Systems and methods are provided to structure services in tiers and provide services as rewards in accordance with the tiers. In one aspect, a system stores information identifying an account holder's account and information identifying features that are associated with the account. Account features include a plurality of services that are organized in tiers and any given tier determines the benefits the account holder is entitled to in connection with a set of services associated with the account feature. The account holder's account is associated with an original tier and the system monitors subsequent transactions to determine a tier that the user is entitled to based on the transactions. The tier includes all of the services that the user was previously entitled to in addition to any new services associated with a tier change.1. A computer-implemented method, comprising:
storing account data identifying an account feature of an account of a user, the account feature associated with a plurality of services organized in tiers; monitoring, by a computing apparatus, transactions in the account; and determining, by the computing apparatus, a tier the user is currently entitled to based on the monitoring of the transactions, wherein the tier offers a first set of services selected from the plurality of services. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein each of the transactions is processed by a transaction handler to facilitate a payment from an issuer to an acquirer in response to an identifier of the account, as issued by the issuer to the user, being submitted by a merchant to the acquirer, the issuer to facilitate the payment on behalf of the user, the acquirer to receive the payment on behalf of the merchant. 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the services are related to emergency services. 4. The method of claim 3, wherein each of the plurality of services is pre-associated with the account feature. 5. The method of claim 3, further comprising providing a notification message for the user in response to the tier being identified for the user. 6. The method of claim 3, wherein the tier includes a further service of the plurality of services, wherein the user is not entitled to the further service prior to the determining of the tier for the user. 7. The method of claim 3, wherein the monitoring comprises determining an accumulated number of international airline tickets purchased using the account of the user within a period of time; and the tier change is in response to the accumulated number of international airline tickets, purchased using the account of the user, satisfying a threshold. 8. The method of claim 7, wherein the plurality of services includes one or more selected from the group consisting of:
emergency card replacement; emergency cash disbursement; emergency medical insurance; emergency dental insurance; emergency evacuation insurance; travel accident assistance; roadside assistance; and lost wallet protection. 9. The method of claim 8, wherein the account feature offers ID security alerts, transaction alerts, and mobile money transfer service. 10. The method of claim 1, further comprising:
enrolling the user in the account feature, wherein the enrolling transforms a financial presentation device associated with the account from a first type to a second type; and, updating the account data to associate the second type with the financial presentation device without changing the financial presentation device. 11. The method of claim 1, further comprising associating each service in the plurality of services but not in the first set of services with a fee when a spending indicator is below a threshold level corresponding to the tier of the first set of services. 12. The method of claim 1, wherein a first payment transaction triggers, when the account is used to facilitate the first payment transaction, a second payment transaction relating to at least one of the tiers. 13. The method of claim 1, wherein each of the tiers includes services predefined by an issuer for the account feature. 14. The method of claim 1, wherein when the user is determined to be entitled to the first set of services in the tier, the account feature allows the user to access a second set of services, in the plurality of services but not in the first set of services, at a discounted price per each use. 15. The method of claim 1, further comprising enrolling the account in a program that offers the account feature, and receiving a selection of a tier structure from a user when enrolling the account in the program. 16. A computer-storage device storing instructions which, when executed by a computing apparatus, cause the computing apparatus to perform a method comprising:
storing account data identifying an account feature of an account of a user, the account feature associated with a plurality of services organized in tiers; monitoring, by the computing apparatus, transactions in the account; and determining, by the computing apparatus, a tier the user is currently entitled to based on the monitoring of the transactions, wherein the tier offers a first set of services selected from the plurality of services. 17. The computer-storage device of claim 16, wherein each of the transactions is processed by a transaction handler to facilitate a payment from an issuer to an acquirer in response to an identifier of the account, as issued by the issuer to the user, being submitted by a merchant to the acquirer, the issuer to facilitate the payment on behalf of the user, the acquirer to receive the payment on behalf of the merchant. 18. The computer-storage device of claim 16, wherein the services are related to emergency services. 19. The computer-storage device of claim 18, wherein each of the plurality of services is predetermined for the account feature. 20. A system, comprising:
at least one processor; and memory storing instructions configured to instruct the at least one processor to:
store account data identifying at least one account feature of an account of a user, the account feature associated with a plurality of services organized in tiers;
monitor transactions in the account; and
determine a tier the user is currently entitled to based on monitoring of the transactions, wherein when the user is entitled to the tier, the account feature offers a first set of the services to the user without additional fees and a second set of the services with additional fees. | 3,600 |
12,771 | 12,771 | 15,076,578 | 3,687 | A method and system for conducting an online payment transaction through a point of sale device. The method includes receiving input from a user selecting an item for purchase through the point of sale device; calculating a total purchase amount for the item in response to a request from the user to purchase the item; and sending payment authorization for the total purchase amount from the point of sale device to a payment entity, in which the payment authorization is sent to the payment entity via a mobile communication device of the user. The method further includes receiving a result of the payment authorization from the payment entity through the mobile communication device; and completing the payment transaction based on the result of the payment authorization. | 1. A method for processing a transaction, comprising:
maintaining a non-browser based application in a mobile device memory included in a mobile device, wherein the non-browser based application is a mobile operating system platform based mobile application that is preinstalled or downloaded and installed on the mobile device, the mobile device comprising a mobile device display, a mobile device processor, and a mobile device radio interface; receiving a list of products from a management server for display using the non- browser based application; receiving an identification of one or more products selected from the list of products from non-browser based application, the one or more products selected by the user via the mobile device display; sending the identification of one or more products to the management server; receiving a transaction purchase request from the non-browser based application, the transaction purchase request received from the user via the mobile device display and further wherein the transaction purchase request includes information relating to the identification of the one or more products; sending the transaction purchase request to the management server; receiving user input login information from the non-browser based application, the user input login information received from the user via the mobile device display; sending the user input login information to the management server; and receiving information authenticating the user associated with the user input login information from the management server and further wherein the management server receives a transaction verification from a transaction server which processes the transaction using a payment method, wherein the transaction verification indicates that the transaction has processed. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the payment method is a default payment method. 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the payment method is a user selected payment method. 4. The method of claim 1, wherein the user input login information includes biometric data. 5. The method of claim 1, wherein the user input login information includes a personal identification number (PIN). 6. The method of claim 1, further wherein after the transaction has processed, a digital artifact is sent to the mobile device. 7. The method of claim 6, wherein the digital artifact comprises a receipt, advertisement, coupon, content, media, or a ticket. 8. The method of claim 6, wherein the digital artifact includes metadata operable to trigger a call to action. 9. The method of claim 6, wherein the call-to-action comprises entering an email address, accepting the coupon, accepting a reward, opt-in for alerts, and opt-in for notifications. 10. A mobile device for processing a transaction, comprising:
a mobile device memory included in a mobile device, the mobile device memory configured to store a non-browser based application, wherein the non-browser based application is a mobile operating system platform based mobile application that is preinstalled or downloaded and installed on the mobile device; a mobile device wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi) interface; a mobile device input interface configured to
receive a list of products from a management server for display using the non-browser based application;
receive an identification of one or more products selected from the list of products from non-browser based application, the one or more products selected by the user via the mobile device display;
receive a transaction purchase request from the non-browser based application, the transaction purchase request received from the user via the mobile device display and further wherein the transaction purchase request includes information relating to the identification of the one or more products;
receive user input login information from the non-browser based application, the user input login information received from the user via the mobile device display; and
receive information authenticating the user associated with the user input login information from the management server and further wherein the management server receives a transaction verification from a transaction server which processes the transaction using a payment method, wherein the transaction verification indicates that the transaction has processed.
a mobile device output interface configured to:
send the identification of one or more products to the management server;
send the transaction purchase request to the management server; and
the user input login information to the management server. 11. The mobile device of claim 10, wherein the payment method is a default payment method. 12. The mobile device of claim 10, wherein the payment method is a user selected payment method. 13. The mobile device of claim 10, wherein the user input login information includes biometric data. 14. The mobile device of claim 10, wherein the user input login information includes a personal identification number (PIN). 15. The mobile device of claim 10, further wherein after the transaction has processed, a digital artifact is sent to the mobile device. 16. The mobile device of claim 15, wherein the digital artifact comprises a receipt, advertisement, coupon, content, media, or a ticket. 17. The mobile device of claim 15, wherein the digital artifact includes metadata operable to trigger a call to action. 18. The mobile device of claim 17, wherein the call-to-action comprises entering an email address, accepting the coupon, accepting a reward, opt-in for alerts, and opt-in for notifications. 19. The mobile device of claim 10, wherein the mobile device includes a secure element configured to process transactions using the Near Field Communications (NFC) protocol. 20. A non-transitory computer readable medium for processing a transaction, comprising:
computer code for receiving a list of products from a management server for display using the non-browser based application; computer code for receiving an identification of one or more products selected from the list of products from non-browser based application, the one or more products selected by the user via, the mobile device display; computer code for sending the identification of one or more products to the management server; computer code for receiving a transaction purchase request from the non-browser based application, the transaction purchase request received from the user via the mobile device display and further wherein the transaction purchase request includes information relating to the identification of the one or more products; computer code for sending the transaction purchase request to the management server; computer code for receiving user input login information from the non-browser based application, the user input login information received from the user via the mobile device display; computer code for sending the user input login information to the management server; and computer code for receiving information authenticating the user associated with the user input login information from the management server and further wherein the management server receives a transaction verification from a transaction server which processes the transaction using a payment method, wherein the transaction verification indicates that the transaction has processed. | A method and system for conducting an online payment transaction through a point of sale device. The method includes receiving input from a user selecting an item for purchase through the point of sale device; calculating a total purchase amount for the item in response to a request from the user to purchase the item; and sending payment authorization for the total purchase amount from the point of sale device to a payment entity, in which the payment authorization is sent to the payment entity via a mobile communication device of the user. The method further includes receiving a result of the payment authorization from the payment entity through the mobile communication device; and completing the payment transaction based on the result of the payment authorization.1. A method for processing a transaction, comprising:
maintaining a non-browser based application in a mobile device memory included in a mobile device, wherein the non-browser based application is a mobile operating system platform based mobile application that is preinstalled or downloaded and installed on the mobile device, the mobile device comprising a mobile device display, a mobile device processor, and a mobile device radio interface; receiving a list of products from a management server for display using the non- browser based application; receiving an identification of one or more products selected from the list of products from non-browser based application, the one or more products selected by the user via the mobile device display; sending the identification of one or more products to the management server; receiving a transaction purchase request from the non-browser based application, the transaction purchase request received from the user via the mobile device display and further wherein the transaction purchase request includes information relating to the identification of the one or more products; sending the transaction purchase request to the management server; receiving user input login information from the non-browser based application, the user input login information received from the user via the mobile device display; sending the user input login information to the management server; and receiving information authenticating the user associated with the user input login information from the management server and further wherein the management server receives a transaction verification from a transaction server which processes the transaction using a payment method, wherein the transaction verification indicates that the transaction has processed. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the payment method is a default payment method. 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the payment method is a user selected payment method. 4. The method of claim 1, wherein the user input login information includes biometric data. 5. The method of claim 1, wherein the user input login information includes a personal identification number (PIN). 6. The method of claim 1, further wherein after the transaction has processed, a digital artifact is sent to the mobile device. 7. The method of claim 6, wherein the digital artifact comprises a receipt, advertisement, coupon, content, media, or a ticket. 8. The method of claim 6, wherein the digital artifact includes metadata operable to trigger a call to action. 9. The method of claim 6, wherein the call-to-action comprises entering an email address, accepting the coupon, accepting a reward, opt-in for alerts, and opt-in for notifications. 10. A mobile device for processing a transaction, comprising:
a mobile device memory included in a mobile device, the mobile device memory configured to store a non-browser based application, wherein the non-browser based application is a mobile operating system platform based mobile application that is preinstalled or downloaded and installed on the mobile device; a mobile device wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi) interface; a mobile device input interface configured to
receive a list of products from a management server for display using the non-browser based application;
receive an identification of one or more products selected from the list of products from non-browser based application, the one or more products selected by the user via the mobile device display;
receive a transaction purchase request from the non-browser based application, the transaction purchase request received from the user via the mobile device display and further wherein the transaction purchase request includes information relating to the identification of the one or more products;
receive user input login information from the non-browser based application, the user input login information received from the user via the mobile device display; and
receive information authenticating the user associated with the user input login information from the management server and further wherein the management server receives a transaction verification from a transaction server which processes the transaction using a payment method, wherein the transaction verification indicates that the transaction has processed.
a mobile device output interface configured to:
send the identification of one or more products to the management server;
send the transaction purchase request to the management server; and
the user input login information to the management server. 11. The mobile device of claim 10, wherein the payment method is a default payment method. 12. The mobile device of claim 10, wherein the payment method is a user selected payment method. 13. The mobile device of claim 10, wherein the user input login information includes biometric data. 14. The mobile device of claim 10, wherein the user input login information includes a personal identification number (PIN). 15. The mobile device of claim 10, further wherein after the transaction has processed, a digital artifact is sent to the mobile device. 16. The mobile device of claim 15, wherein the digital artifact comprises a receipt, advertisement, coupon, content, media, or a ticket. 17. The mobile device of claim 15, wherein the digital artifact includes metadata operable to trigger a call to action. 18. The mobile device of claim 17, wherein the call-to-action comprises entering an email address, accepting the coupon, accepting a reward, opt-in for alerts, and opt-in for notifications. 19. The mobile device of claim 10, wherein the mobile device includes a secure element configured to process transactions using the Near Field Communications (NFC) protocol. 20. A non-transitory computer readable medium for processing a transaction, comprising:
computer code for receiving a list of products from a management server for display using the non-browser based application; computer code for receiving an identification of one or more products selected from the list of products from non-browser based application, the one or more products selected by the user via, the mobile device display; computer code for sending the identification of one or more products to the management server; computer code for receiving a transaction purchase request from the non-browser based application, the transaction purchase request received from the user via the mobile device display and further wherein the transaction purchase request includes information relating to the identification of the one or more products; computer code for sending the transaction purchase request to the management server; computer code for receiving user input login information from the non-browser based application, the user input login information received from the user via the mobile device display; computer code for sending the user input login information to the management server; and computer code for receiving information authenticating the user associated with the user input login information from the management server and further wherein the management server receives a transaction verification from a transaction server which processes the transaction using a payment method, wherein the transaction verification indicates that the transaction has processed. | 3,600 |
12,772 | 12,772 | 15,355,102 | 3,661 | A method includes controlling an electrified vehicle based on a route selected for a desired thermal management of a battery. An electrified vehicle includes at least one battery and a control system configured with instructions for automatically controlling the electrified vehicle based on the route selected for the desired thermal management of the battery. | 1. A method, comprising:
controlling an electrified vehicle based on a route selected for a desired thermal management of a battery. 2. The method as recited in claim 1, comprising receiving a desired destination based on a user input and determining one or more possible routes for the desired destination. 3. The method as recited in claim 2, comprising analyzing the possible routes to determine traction power requirements. 4. The method as recited in claim 3, comprising estimating vehicle acceleration events required for a duration of each possible route and using estimated vehicle accelerations to calculate battery power delivery requirements. 5. The method as recited in claim 3, comprising determining a current battery thermal state when the desired destination is received. 6. The method as recited in claim 5, comprising determining whether the battery can meet all power demands of all drive cycles in the current battery thermal state for each possible route. 7. The method as recited in claim 6, comprising, if the battery can meet all power demands of all drive cycles in the current battery thermal state for each possible route, selecting a fastest or shortest route. 8. The method as recited in claim 6, comprising, if the battery cannot meet all power demands for each possible route, determining whether there is at least one drive cycle that would not require changes to the battery thermal state and, if there is such a drive cycle, selecting the at least one drive cycle. 9. The method as recited in claim 8, comprising, if there is not a drive cycle that can operate without requiring changes to the battery thermal state, determining which possible route can be achieved with a minimum heating or cooling rate such that battery temperature will allow all power demands when required for the possible route, and selecting said possible route. 10. The method as recited in claim 9, comprising referring to a tabulated set of thermal system performance data to select the minimum heating or cooling rate required to satisfy expected power requirements for said possible route. 11. The method as recited in claim 1, wherein the electrified vehicle comprises an autonomous vehicle. 12. A method, comprising:
directing a vehicle to take a route, among a plurality of possible routes, that avoids changes to a battery thermal state. 13. The method as recited in claim 12, comprising analyzing possible routes to determine traction power requirements, determining whether a battery can meet all power demands of all drive cycles in a current battery thermal state for each possible route, determining if there is at least one drive cycle that would not require changes to the battery thermal state, and if the battery can meet all power demands of all drive cycles in the current battery thermal state for each possible route, selecting a fastest or shortest route. 14. The method as recited in claim 13, comprising, if the battery cannot meet all power demands of all drive cycles in the current battery thermal state for each possible route, selecting one of the following possible routes:
selecting a first route from the possible routes where the first route comprises the drive cycle that would not require changes to the battery thermal state, or selecting a second route from the possible routes wherein, if there is not a drive cycle that can operate without requiring changes to the battery thermal state, and wherein selection of the second route includes determining which possible route can be achieved with a minimum heating or cooling rate such that battery temperature will allow all power demands when required for the second route. 15. The method as recited in claim 12, wherein the vehicle comprises an autonomous electrified vehicle. 16. An electrified vehicle, comprising:
at least one battery; and a control system configured with instructions for automatically controlling the electrified vehicle based on a route selected for a desired thermal management of the battery. 17. The vehicle as recited in claim 16, including a vehicle navigation system wherein the control system receives a desired destination based on an input to the navigation system and determines one or more possible routes for the desired destination. 18. The vehicle as recited in claim 17, including one or more sensors that measure and transmit vehicle and battery characteristics to the control system to determine a current battery thermal state when the desired destination is received by the control system, and wherein the control system determines whether the battery can meet all power demands of all drive cycles in the current battery thermal state for each possible route, and if the battery can meet all power demands of all drive cycles in the current battery thermal state for each possible route, the a fastest or shortest route is selected by the control system. 19. The vehicle as recited in claim 18, wherein when the control system determines that the battery cannot meet all power demands of all drive cycles in the current battery thermal state for each possible route, the control system determines whether there is at least one drive cycle that would not require changes to the battery thermal state and, if there is such a drive cycle, the control system selects the at least one drive cycle, and
if there is not a drive cycle that can operate without requiring changes to the battery thermal state, the control system determines which possible route can be achieved with a minimum heating or cooling rate such that battery temperature will allow all power demands when required for the possible route, and selecting said possible route. 20. The vehicle as recited in claim 17, wherein the electrified vehicle comprises an autonomous vehicle. | A method includes controlling an electrified vehicle based on a route selected for a desired thermal management of a battery. An electrified vehicle includes at least one battery and a control system configured with instructions for automatically controlling the electrified vehicle based on the route selected for the desired thermal management of the battery.1. A method, comprising:
controlling an electrified vehicle based on a route selected for a desired thermal management of a battery. 2. The method as recited in claim 1, comprising receiving a desired destination based on a user input and determining one or more possible routes for the desired destination. 3. The method as recited in claim 2, comprising analyzing the possible routes to determine traction power requirements. 4. The method as recited in claim 3, comprising estimating vehicle acceleration events required for a duration of each possible route and using estimated vehicle accelerations to calculate battery power delivery requirements. 5. The method as recited in claim 3, comprising determining a current battery thermal state when the desired destination is received. 6. The method as recited in claim 5, comprising determining whether the battery can meet all power demands of all drive cycles in the current battery thermal state for each possible route. 7. The method as recited in claim 6, comprising, if the battery can meet all power demands of all drive cycles in the current battery thermal state for each possible route, selecting a fastest or shortest route. 8. The method as recited in claim 6, comprising, if the battery cannot meet all power demands for each possible route, determining whether there is at least one drive cycle that would not require changes to the battery thermal state and, if there is such a drive cycle, selecting the at least one drive cycle. 9. The method as recited in claim 8, comprising, if there is not a drive cycle that can operate without requiring changes to the battery thermal state, determining which possible route can be achieved with a minimum heating or cooling rate such that battery temperature will allow all power demands when required for the possible route, and selecting said possible route. 10. The method as recited in claim 9, comprising referring to a tabulated set of thermal system performance data to select the minimum heating or cooling rate required to satisfy expected power requirements for said possible route. 11. The method as recited in claim 1, wherein the electrified vehicle comprises an autonomous vehicle. 12. A method, comprising:
directing a vehicle to take a route, among a plurality of possible routes, that avoids changes to a battery thermal state. 13. The method as recited in claim 12, comprising analyzing possible routes to determine traction power requirements, determining whether a battery can meet all power demands of all drive cycles in a current battery thermal state for each possible route, determining if there is at least one drive cycle that would not require changes to the battery thermal state, and if the battery can meet all power demands of all drive cycles in the current battery thermal state for each possible route, selecting a fastest or shortest route. 14. The method as recited in claim 13, comprising, if the battery cannot meet all power demands of all drive cycles in the current battery thermal state for each possible route, selecting one of the following possible routes:
selecting a first route from the possible routes where the first route comprises the drive cycle that would not require changes to the battery thermal state, or selecting a second route from the possible routes wherein, if there is not a drive cycle that can operate without requiring changes to the battery thermal state, and wherein selection of the second route includes determining which possible route can be achieved with a minimum heating or cooling rate such that battery temperature will allow all power demands when required for the second route. 15. The method as recited in claim 12, wherein the vehicle comprises an autonomous electrified vehicle. 16. An electrified vehicle, comprising:
at least one battery; and a control system configured with instructions for automatically controlling the electrified vehicle based on a route selected for a desired thermal management of the battery. 17. The vehicle as recited in claim 16, including a vehicle navigation system wherein the control system receives a desired destination based on an input to the navigation system and determines one or more possible routes for the desired destination. 18. The vehicle as recited in claim 17, including one or more sensors that measure and transmit vehicle and battery characteristics to the control system to determine a current battery thermal state when the desired destination is received by the control system, and wherein the control system determines whether the battery can meet all power demands of all drive cycles in the current battery thermal state for each possible route, and if the battery can meet all power demands of all drive cycles in the current battery thermal state for each possible route, the a fastest or shortest route is selected by the control system. 19. The vehicle as recited in claim 18, wherein when the control system determines that the battery cannot meet all power demands of all drive cycles in the current battery thermal state for each possible route, the control system determines whether there is at least one drive cycle that would not require changes to the battery thermal state and, if there is such a drive cycle, the control system selects the at least one drive cycle, and
if there is not a drive cycle that can operate without requiring changes to the battery thermal state, the control system determines which possible route can be achieved with a minimum heating or cooling rate such that battery temperature will allow all power demands when required for the possible route, and selecting said possible route. 20. The vehicle as recited in claim 17, wherein the electrified vehicle comprises an autonomous vehicle. | 3,600 |
12,773 | 12,773 | 14,450,063 | 3,623 | Determining a policy change for an outcome related to an opportunity includes monitoring factors and outcomes associated with opportunities stored in a customer relationship management (CRM) system, extracting the factors and the outcomes associated with the opportunities stored in the CRM system into a queryable database, analyzing, via a queryable database, the factors and the outcomes associated with the opportunities to identify patterns related to the outcomes of the opportunities, and determining, based on the patterns related to the outcomes of the opportunities, a policy change to improve the outcomes related to the opportunities. | 1-7. (canceled) 8. A system for determining a policy change for an outcome related to an opportunity, the system comprising:
a monitoring engine to monitor factors and outcomes associated with opportunities stored in a customer relationship management (CRM) system; an extracting engine to extract the factors and the outcomes associated with the opportunities stored in the CRM system into a queryable database; an applying engine to apply a weight to the factors and the outcomes; an analyzing engine to analyze, via the queryable database, the factors and the outcomes associated with the opportunities to identify patterns related to the outcomes of the opportunities; and a determining engine to determine, based on the patterns related to the outcomes of the opportunities, a policy change to improve the outcomes related to the opportunities. 9. The system of claim 8, in which the analyzing engine analyzes, via the queryable database, the factors and the outcomes associated with the opportunities to identify the patterns related to the outcomes of the opportunities by identifying the factors that are winning factors related to a profit gain. 10. The system of claim 9, in which the analyzing engine analyzes, via the queryable database, the factors and the outcomes associated with the opportunities to identify the patterns related to the outcomes of the opportunities further by identifying the factors that are losing factors related to a profit loss. 11. The system of claim 10, in which the analyzing engine analyzes, via the queryable database, the factors and the outcomes associated with the opportunities to identify the patterns related to the outcomes of the opportunities further by identifying the factors that are expenditures without improved sales. 12. The system of claim 8, in which the factors associated with the opportunities comprise products sold, sellers, customers, opportunity management, locations, currency, technology, timing, effort spent, costs, return on investment (ROI), or combinations thereof. 13. The system of claim 8, in which the outcomes associated with the opportunities comprise success based on obtained sales, failure based on missed sales, futile sales, or combinations thereof. 14. A computer program product for determining a policy change for an outcome related to an opportunity, comprising:
a tangible computer readable storage medium, said tangible computer readable storage medium comprising computer readable program code embodied therewith, said computer readable program code comprising program instructions that, when executed, causes a processor to: extract factors and outcomes associated with opportunities stored in a customer relationship management (CRM) system into a queryable database; apply a weight to the factors and the outcomes; analyze, via the queryable database, the factors and the outcomes associated with the opportunities to identify patterns related to the outcomes of the opportunities; and determine, based on the patterns related to the outcomes of the opportunities, a policy change to improve the outcomes related to the opportunities. 15. The product of claim 14, further comprising computer readable program code comprising program instructions that, when executed, cause said processor to monitor the factors and the outcomes associated with the opportunities stored in the CRM system. 16. The product of claim 14, further comprising computer readable program code comprising program instructions that, when executed, cause said processor to identify the factors that are winning factors related to a profit gain. 17. The product of claim 14, further comprising computer readable program code comprising program instructions that, when executed, cause said processor to identify the factors that are losing factors related to a profit loss. 18. The product of claim 14, further comprising computer readable program code comprising program instructions that, when executed, cause said processor to identify the factors that are expenditures without improved sales. 19. The product of claim 14, in which the factors associated with the opportunities comprise products sold, sellers, customers, opportunity management, locations, currency, technology, timing, effort spent, costs, return on investment (ROI), and combinations thereof. 20. The product of claim 14, in which the outcomes associated with the opportunities comprise success based on obtained sales, failure based on missed sales, futile sales, or combinations thereof. | Determining a policy change for an outcome related to an opportunity includes monitoring factors and outcomes associated with opportunities stored in a customer relationship management (CRM) system, extracting the factors and the outcomes associated with the opportunities stored in the CRM system into a queryable database, analyzing, via a queryable database, the factors and the outcomes associated with the opportunities to identify patterns related to the outcomes of the opportunities, and determining, based on the patterns related to the outcomes of the opportunities, a policy change to improve the outcomes related to the opportunities.1-7. (canceled) 8. A system for determining a policy change for an outcome related to an opportunity, the system comprising:
a monitoring engine to monitor factors and outcomes associated with opportunities stored in a customer relationship management (CRM) system; an extracting engine to extract the factors and the outcomes associated with the opportunities stored in the CRM system into a queryable database; an applying engine to apply a weight to the factors and the outcomes; an analyzing engine to analyze, via the queryable database, the factors and the outcomes associated with the opportunities to identify patterns related to the outcomes of the opportunities; and a determining engine to determine, based on the patterns related to the outcomes of the opportunities, a policy change to improve the outcomes related to the opportunities. 9. The system of claim 8, in which the analyzing engine analyzes, via the queryable database, the factors and the outcomes associated with the opportunities to identify the patterns related to the outcomes of the opportunities by identifying the factors that are winning factors related to a profit gain. 10. The system of claim 9, in which the analyzing engine analyzes, via the queryable database, the factors and the outcomes associated with the opportunities to identify the patterns related to the outcomes of the opportunities further by identifying the factors that are losing factors related to a profit loss. 11. The system of claim 10, in which the analyzing engine analyzes, via the queryable database, the factors and the outcomes associated with the opportunities to identify the patterns related to the outcomes of the opportunities further by identifying the factors that are expenditures without improved sales. 12. The system of claim 8, in which the factors associated with the opportunities comprise products sold, sellers, customers, opportunity management, locations, currency, technology, timing, effort spent, costs, return on investment (ROI), or combinations thereof. 13. The system of claim 8, in which the outcomes associated with the opportunities comprise success based on obtained sales, failure based on missed sales, futile sales, or combinations thereof. 14. A computer program product for determining a policy change for an outcome related to an opportunity, comprising:
a tangible computer readable storage medium, said tangible computer readable storage medium comprising computer readable program code embodied therewith, said computer readable program code comprising program instructions that, when executed, causes a processor to: extract factors and outcomes associated with opportunities stored in a customer relationship management (CRM) system into a queryable database; apply a weight to the factors and the outcomes; analyze, via the queryable database, the factors and the outcomes associated with the opportunities to identify patterns related to the outcomes of the opportunities; and determine, based on the patterns related to the outcomes of the opportunities, a policy change to improve the outcomes related to the opportunities. 15. The product of claim 14, further comprising computer readable program code comprising program instructions that, when executed, cause said processor to monitor the factors and the outcomes associated with the opportunities stored in the CRM system. 16. The product of claim 14, further comprising computer readable program code comprising program instructions that, when executed, cause said processor to identify the factors that are winning factors related to a profit gain. 17. The product of claim 14, further comprising computer readable program code comprising program instructions that, when executed, cause said processor to identify the factors that are losing factors related to a profit loss. 18. The product of claim 14, further comprising computer readable program code comprising program instructions that, when executed, cause said processor to identify the factors that are expenditures without improved sales. 19. The product of claim 14, in which the factors associated with the opportunities comprise products sold, sellers, customers, opportunity management, locations, currency, technology, timing, effort spent, costs, return on investment (ROI), and combinations thereof. 20. The product of claim 14, in which the outcomes associated with the opportunities comprise success based on obtained sales, failure based on missed sales, futile sales, or combinations thereof. | 3,600 |
12,774 | 12,774 | 13,836,723 | 3,626 | A contact center is described along with various methods and mechanisms for administering the same. In particular, the contact center may be configured to execute a work assignment engine and the contact center may also contain a health monitoring module that is configured to monitor events in the work assignment engine, compare the monitored events with a grammar defining expected events and an expected sequence of the expected events, and determine whether the work assignment engine is behaving appropriately based on the comparison. | 1. A method of monitoring events in a computation system, the method comprising:
building a grammar that defines a series of events that can occur in the computation system as well as an expected order of the series of events; monitoring event flows in the computation system; comparing the monitored flows with the grammar; and based on the comparison of the monitored flows with the grammar, determining that an abnormal event or series of events has occurred in the computation system. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the abnormal event or series of events is detected by detecting at least one event not defined by the grammar. 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the abnormal event or series of events is detected by detecting at least one event sequence not defined by the grammar. 4. The method of claim 3, wherein the detected at least one event sequence is detected between two expected events in the series of events. 5. The method of claim 1, wherein the grammar is a tree-structured grammar in which the series of events are ordered temporally with the first event expected to occur in the series of events corresponding to a root node of the tree-structured grammar. 6. The method of claim 1, wherein the computation system comprises a work assignment engine in a contact center and wherein the event flows correspond to decisions made by the work assignment engine. 7. The method of claim 6, wherein the grammar is at least partially based on knowledge of a work assignment algorithm expected to be performed by the work assignment engine. 8. The method of claim 7, wherein the work assignment algorithm comprises a queueless contact center algorithm. 9. The method of claim 1, further comprising:
learning a new behavior for the computation system; and adding the new behavior to the series of events in the grammar. 10. A non-transitory computer-readable medium comprising processor-executable instructions, the instructions comprising:
instructions configured to build a grammar that defines a series of events that can occur in the computation system as well as an expected order of the series of events; instructions configured to monitor event flows in the computation system; instructions configured to compare the monitored flows with the grammar; and instructions configured to determine that an abnormal event or series of events has occurred in the computation system based on the comparison of the monitored flows with the grammar. 11. The computer-readable medium of claim 10, wherein the abnormal event or series of events is detected by detecting at least one event not defined by the grammar. 12. The computer-readable medium of claim 10, wherein the abnormal event or series of events is detected by detecting at least one event sequence not defined by the grammar. 13. The computer-readable medium of claim 12, wherein the detected at least one event sequence is detected between two expected events in the series of events. 14. The computer-readable medium of claim 10, wherein the grammar is a tree-structured grammar in which the series of events are ordered temporally with the first event expected to occur in the series of events corresponding to a root node of the tree-structured grammar. 15. The computer-readable medium of claim 10, wherein the computation system comprises a work assignment engine in a contact center and wherein the event flows correspond to decisions made by the work assignment engine. 16. The computer-readable medium of claim 15, wherein the grammar is at least partially based on knowledge of a work assignment algorithm expected to be performed by the work assignment engine. 17. The computer-readable medium of claim 10, the instructions further comprising:
instructions configured to learn a new behavior for the computation system; and instructions configured to add the new behavior to the series of events in the grammar. 18. A contact center, comprising:
a work assignment engine executed in one or more servers, the work assignment engine being configured to make work assignment decisions for work items received in the contact center; and a health monitoring module configured to build a grammar that defines a series of events that can occur in the work assignment engine as well as an expected order of the series of events, monitor event flows in the work assignment engine, compare the monitored flows with the grammar, and determine that an abnormal event or series of events has occurred in the work assignment engine based on the comparison of the monitored flows with the grammar. 19. The contact center of claim 18, wherein the abnormal event or series of events is detected by detecting at least one event not defined by the grammar. 20. The contact center of claim 18, wherein the abnormal event or series of events is detected by detecting at least one event sequence not defined by the grammar. | A contact center is described along with various methods and mechanisms for administering the same. In particular, the contact center may be configured to execute a work assignment engine and the contact center may also contain a health monitoring module that is configured to monitor events in the work assignment engine, compare the monitored events with a grammar defining expected events and an expected sequence of the expected events, and determine whether the work assignment engine is behaving appropriately based on the comparison.1. A method of monitoring events in a computation system, the method comprising:
building a grammar that defines a series of events that can occur in the computation system as well as an expected order of the series of events; monitoring event flows in the computation system; comparing the monitored flows with the grammar; and based on the comparison of the monitored flows with the grammar, determining that an abnormal event or series of events has occurred in the computation system. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the abnormal event or series of events is detected by detecting at least one event not defined by the grammar. 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the abnormal event or series of events is detected by detecting at least one event sequence not defined by the grammar. 4. The method of claim 3, wherein the detected at least one event sequence is detected between two expected events in the series of events. 5. The method of claim 1, wherein the grammar is a tree-structured grammar in which the series of events are ordered temporally with the first event expected to occur in the series of events corresponding to a root node of the tree-structured grammar. 6. The method of claim 1, wherein the computation system comprises a work assignment engine in a contact center and wherein the event flows correspond to decisions made by the work assignment engine. 7. The method of claim 6, wherein the grammar is at least partially based on knowledge of a work assignment algorithm expected to be performed by the work assignment engine. 8. The method of claim 7, wherein the work assignment algorithm comprises a queueless contact center algorithm. 9. The method of claim 1, further comprising:
learning a new behavior for the computation system; and adding the new behavior to the series of events in the grammar. 10. A non-transitory computer-readable medium comprising processor-executable instructions, the instructions comprising:
instructions configured to build a grammar that defines a series of events that can occur in the computation system as well as an expected order of the series of events; instructions configured to monitor event flows in the computation system; instructions configured to compare the monitored flows with the grammar; and instructions configured to determine that an abnormal event or series of events has occurred in the computation system based on the comparison of the monitored flows with the grammar. 11. The computer-readable medium of claim 10, wherein the abnormal event or series of events is detected by detecting at least one event not defined by the grammar. 12. The computer-readable medium of claim 10, wherein the abnormal event or series of events is detected by detecting at least one event sequence not defined by the grammar. 13. The computer-readable medium of claim 12, wherein the detected at least one event sequence is detected between two expected events in the series of events. 14. The computer-readable medium of claim 10, wherein the grammar is a tree-structured grammar in which the series of events are ordered temporally with the first event expected to occur in the series of events corresponding to a root node of the tree-structured grammar. 15. The computer-readable medium of claim 10, wherein the computation system comprises a work assignment engine in a contact center and wherein the event flows correspond to decisions made by the work assignment engine. 16. The computer-readable medium of claim 15, wherein the grammar is at least partially based on knowledge of a work assignment algorithm expected to be performed by the work assignment engine. 17. The computer-readable medium of claim 10, the instructions further comprising:
instructions configured to learn a new behavior for the computation system; and instructions configured to add the new behavior to the series of events in the grammar. 18. A contact center, comprising:
a work assignment engine executed in one or more servers, the work assignment engine being configured to make work assignment decisions for work items received in the contact center; and a health monitoring module configured to build a grammar that defines a series of events that can occur in the work assignment engine as well as an expected order of the series of events, monitor event flows in the work assignment engine, compare the monitored flows with the grammar, and determine that an abnormal event or series of events has occurred in the work assignment engine based on the comparison of the monitored flows with the grammar. 19. The contact center of claim 18, wherein the abnormal event or series of events is detected by detecting at least one event not defined by the grammar. 20. The contact center of claim 18, wherein the abnormal event or series of events is detected by detecting at least one event sequence not defined by the grammar. | 3,600 |
12,775 | 12,775 | 14,325,346 | 3,646 | A method and apparatus for operating a plurality of radiating elements are provided. In one aspect, the method includes measuring a phase and a gain of each of the plurality of radiating elements; determining a feed gain and a feed phase for each of the plurality of radiating elements based on the measured phase and the measured gain of a respective radiating element; and setting independently each of the plurality of radiating elements based on the determined feed gain and the feed phase. | 1. A method for operating a plurality of radiating elements, comprising:
measuring a phase and a gain of each of the plurality of radiating elements; determining a feed gain and a feed phase for each of the plurality of radiating elements based on the measured phase and the measured gain of a respective radiating element; and setting independently each of the plurality of radiating elements based on the determined feed gain and the feed phase. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of radiating elements is different. 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the gain and the phase of each of the plurality of radiating elements are measured as a function of a specific direction and rotation. 4. The method of claim 1, wherein each feed gain is proportional to the measured gain and each feed phase has opposite polarity to the measured phase of each respective radiating element. 5. The method of claim 1, wherein the determination comprises:
setting the feed gain (Ai) to Ai=∝Gi and the feed phase (θi) to θi=−φi+β, wherein ∝ and β are configurable parameters and Gi and φi are the measured gain and the measured phase of the respective radiating element, respectively. 6. The method of claim 5, further comprising:
randomly selecting values of the configurable parameters. 7. The method of claim 5, further comprising:
selecting values for the configurable parameters based on a quantization error associated with either transmission of radio signals or reception of radio signals. 8. The method of claim 1, wherein each of the radiating elements comprises first and second feeds and wherein the determination comprises:
setting a phase difference between the first and second feeds to 180 degrees. 9. The method of claim 1, wherein each of the radiating elements transmits and receives signals in a 60 GHz or higher frequency band. 10. The method of claim 1, further comprising:
arranging the plurality of radiating elements in at least one of: a front antenna sub-array, a back antenna sub-array, or one or more middle antenna sub-arrays. 11. An apparatus for communication, comprising:
a plurality of radiating elements; and a processing system configured to:
measure a phase and a gain of each of the plurality of radiating elements;
determine a feed gain and a feed phase for each of the plurality of radiating elements based on the measured phase and gain of a respective radiating element; and
independently set the feed gain and the feed phase of each of the plurality of radiating elements based on the determined feed gain and the feed phase. 12. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein each of the plurality of radiating elements is different. 13. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the gain and the phase of each of the plurality of radiating elements are measured as a function of a specific direction and rotation. 14. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein each feed gain is proportional to the measured gain and each feed phase has opposite polarity to the measured phase of each respective radiating element. 15. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein processing system is further configured to set the feed gain (Ai) to Ai=∝*Gi; and the feed phase (θi) to θ=−φi+β, wherein ∝ and β are configurable parameters, and Gi and φi are the measured gain and the measured phase of the respective radiating element, respectively. 16. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the processing system is further configured to randomly select values of the configurable parameters. 17. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the processing system is further configured to select values for the configurable parameters based on a quantization error associated with either transmission or reception of radio signals. 18. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein each of the radiating elements comprises first and second feeds and wherein the processing system is further configured to set a phase difference between the first and second feeds to 180 degrees. 19. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein each of the radiating elements transmits and receives signals in a 60 GHz or higher frequency band. 20. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the plurality of radiating elements are arranged in at least one of: a front antenna sub-array, a back antenna sub-array, or one or more middle antenna sub-arrays. 21. A computer program product comprising a computer-readable medium having instructions executable by an apparatus to:
measure a phase and a gain of each of the plurality of radiating elements; determine a feed gain and a feed phase for each of the plurality of radiating elements based on the measured phase and the measured gain of a respective radiating element; and independently set each of the plurality of radiating elements based on the determined feed gain and the feed phase. 22. An apparatus for operating a plurality of radiating elements comprising:
means for measuring a phase and a gain of each of the plurality of radiating elements; means for determining a feed gain and a feed phase for each of the plurality of radiating elements based on the measured phase and the measured gain of a respective radiating element; and means for independently setting each of the plurality of radiating elements based on the determined feed gain and the feed phase. 23. An access terminal comprising:
a plurality of radiating elements; a processing system configured to:
measure a phase and a gain of each of the plurality of radiating elements;
determine a feed gain and a feed phase for each of the plurality of radiating elements based on the measured phase and the measured gain of a respective radiating element; and
independently set each of the plurality of radiating elements based on the determined feed gain and the feed phase; and
a transmitter configured to transmit signals via the set radiating elements. | A method and apparatus for operating a plurality of radiating elements are provided. In one aspect, the method includes measuring a phase and a gain of each of the plurality of radiating elements; determining a feed gain and a feed phase for each of the plurality of radiating elements based on the measured phase and the measured gain of a respective radiating element; and setting independently each of the plurality of radiating elements based on the determined feed gain and the feed phase.1. A method for operating a plurality of radiating elements, comprising:
measuring a phase and a gain of each of the plurality of radiating elements; determining a feed gain and a feed phase for each of the plurality of radiating elements based on the measured phase and the measured gain of a respective radiating element; and setting independently each of the plurality of radiating elements based on the determined feed gain and the feed phase. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of radiating elements is different. 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the gain and the phase of each of the plurality of radiating elements are measured as a function of a specific direction and rotation. 4. The method of claim 1, wherein each feed gain is proportional to the measured gain and each feed phase has opposite polarity to the measured phase of each respective radiating element. 5. The method of claim 1, wherein the determination comprises:
setting the feed gain (Ai) to Ai=∝Gi and the feed phase (θi) to θi=−φi+β, wherein ∝ and β are configurable parameters and Gi and φi are the measured gain and the measured phase of the respective radiating element, respectively. 6. The method of claim 5, further comprising:
randomly selecting values of the configurable parameters. 7. The method of claim 5, further comprising:
selecting values for the configurable parameters based on a quantization error associated with either transmission of radio signals or reception of radio signals. 8. The method of claim 1, wherein each of the radiating elements comprises first and second feeds and wherein the determination comprises:
setting a phase difference between the first and second feeds to 180 degrees. 9. The method of claim 1, wherein each of the radiating elements transmits and receives signals in a 60 GHz or higher frequency band. 10. The method of claim 1, further comprising:
arranging the plurality of radiating elements in at least one of: a front antenna sub-array, a back antenna sub-array, or one or more middle antenna sub-arrays. 11. An apparatus for communication, comprising:
a plurality of radiating elements; and a processing system configured to:
measure a phase and a gain of each of the plurality of radiating elements;
determine a feed gain and a feed phase for each of the plurality of radiating elements based on the measured phase and gain of a respective radiating element; and
independently set the feed gain and the feed phase of each of the plurality of radiating elements based on the determined feed gain and the feed phase. 12. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein each of the plurality of radiating elements is different. 13. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the gain and the phase of each of the plurality of radiating elements are measured as a function of a specific direction and rotation. 14. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein each feed gain is proportional to the measured gain and each feed phase has opposite polarity to the measured phase of each respective radiating element. 15. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein processing system is further configured to set the feed gain (Ai) to Ai=∝*Gi; and the feed phase (θi) to θ=−φi+β, wherein ∝ and β are configurable parameters, and Gi and φi are the measured gain and the measured phase of the respective radiating element, respectively. 16. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the processing system is further configured to randomly select values of the configurable parameters. 17. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the processing system is further configured to select values for the configurable parameters based on a quantization error associated with either transmission or reception of radio signals. 18. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein each of the radiating elements comprises first and second feeds and wherein the processing system is further configured to set a phase difference between the first and second feeds to 180 degrees. 19. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein each of the radiating elements transmits and receives signals in a 60 GHz or higher frequency band. 20. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the plurality of radiating elements are arranged in at least one of: a front antenna sub-array, a back antenna sub-array, or one or more middle antenna sub-arrays. 21. A computer program product comprising a computer-readable medium having instructions executable by an apparatus to:
measure a phase and a gain of each of the plurality of radiating elements; determine a feed gain and a feed phase for each of the plurality of radiating elements based on the measured phase and the measured gain of a respective radiating element; and independently set each of the plurality of radiating elements based on the determined feed gain and the feed phase. 22. An apparatus for operating a plurality of radiating elements comprising:
means for measuring a phase and a gain of each of the plurality of radiating elements; means for determining a feed gain and a feed phase for each of the plurality of radiating elements based on the measured phase and the measured gain of a respective radiating element; and means for independently setting each of the plurality of radiating elements based on the determined feed gain and the feed phase. 23. An access terminal comprising:
a plurality of radiating elements; a processing system configured to:
measure a phase and a gain of each of the plurality of radiating elements;
determine a feed gain and a feed phase for each of the plurality of radiating elements based on the measured phase and the measured gain of a respective radiating element; and
independently set each of the plurality of radiating elements based on the determined feed gain and the feed phase; and
a transmitter configured to transmit signals via the set radiating elements. | 3,600 |
12,776 | 12,776 | 12,709,047 | 3,693 | A method of trading includes performing a transaction of a futures contract between a buyer and a seller. The futures contract is associated with at least one entertainment event and comprises a purchase price and a settlement date. The method concludes by performing a settlement of the futures contract based at least in part upon the purchase price and a value associated with the entertainment event at the settlement date. The entertainment event is associated with a security and the transaction of the futures contract is performed in conjunction with the issuance of the security to the seller. | 1. A method comprising:
transmitting to a remote device a request to purchase a securities bundle in exchange for a right to receive a dividend at a settlement date, in which the dividend is based on an amount of revenues generated by at least one entertainment event, in which the securities bundle is indexed to a plurality of entertainment events; transmitting to the remote device an indication of a desire to sell the right to the percentage of the revenue; receiving, via a processor, an indication that a futures contract based on the right to the percentage of the revenue has been generated, in which the processor and the remote device are in communication over a network; receiving, via the processor, an offer to purchase the futures contract at a purchase price; transmitting to the remote device an acceptance of the offer; and receiving, via the processor, an indication that the futures contract has been traded in an after-market at the purchase price. 2. The method of claim 1, in which the futures contract is settled at a future date. 3. The method of claim 2, in which the act of settling the futures contact comprises:
determining the amount of revenues generated by the at least one entertainment event on the settlement date; determining a value of the dividend based on the determined amount of revenues on the settlement date; and settling the futures contract based on a difference between the value of the dividend on the settlement date and the purchase price. 4. The method of claim 1, further comprising:
extending the settlement date to a later date, in which the settlement date is extended based at least in part on the at least one entertainment event obtaining a level of success. 5. The method of claim 1, in which the settlement date comprises a specific calendar date. 6. The method of claim 1, in which the settlement date comprises a date that is a predefined amount of time subsequent to an occurrence of a specific milestone obtained by the at least one entertainment event. 7. The method of claim 6,
in which the at least one entertainment event comprises a movie; and in which the settlement date comprises a date that is a predefined number of days after a release of the movie in a predefined number of theatres in at least one country. 8. The method of claim 1, in which the dividend comprises a first scheduled dividend and a second scheduled dividend. 9. An apparatus comprising:
a processor; and a memory, in which the memory stores instructions which, when executed by the processor, direct the processor to perform the acts of:
transmitting to a remote device a request to purchase a securities bundle in exchange for a right to receive a dividend at a settlement date, in which the dividend is based on an amount of revenues generated by at least one entertainment event, in which the securities bundle is indexed to a plurality of entertainment events;
transmitting to the remote device an indication of a desire to sell the right to the percentage of the revenue;
receiving, via a processor, an indication that a futures contract based on the right to the percentage of the revenue has been generated, in which the processor and the remote device are in communication over a network;
receiving, via the processor, an offer to purchase the futures contract at a purchase price;
transmitting to the remote device an acceptance of the offer; and
receiving, via the processor, an indication that the futures contract has been traded in an after-market at the purchase price. 10. The apparatus of claim 9, in which the futures contract is settled at a future date. 11. The apparatus of claim 10, in which the act of settling the futures contact comprises:
determining the amount of revenues generated by the at least one entertainment event on the settlement date; determining a value of the dividend based on the determined amount of revenues on the settlement date; and settling the futures contract based on a difference between the value of the dividend on the settlement date and the purchase price. 12. The apparatus of claim 9, in which the memory stores instructions which, when executed by the processor, direct the processor to perform the acts of:
extending the settlement date to a later date, in which the settlement date is extended based at least in part on the at least one entertainment event obtaining a level of success. 13. The apparatus of claim 9, in which the settlement date comprises a specific calendar date. 14. The apparatus of claim 9, in which the settlement date comprises a date that is a predefined amount of time subsequent to an occurrence of a specific milestone obtained by the at least one entertainment event. 15. The apparatus of claim 14,
in which the at least one entertainment event comprises a movie; and in which the settlement date comprises a date that is a predefined number of days after a release of the movie in a predefined number of theatres in at least one country. 16. The apparatus of claim 9, in which the dividend comprises a first scheduled dividend and a second scheduled dividend. 17. An article of manufacture comprising:
a storage medium, in which the storage medium stores instructions which, when executed by a processor, direct the processor to perform the acts of:
transmitting to a remote device a request to purchase a securities bundle in exchange for a right to receive a dividend at a settlement date, in which the dividend is based on an amount of revenues generated by at least one entertainment event, in which the securities bundle is indexed to a plurality of entertainment events;
transmitting to the remote device an indication of a desire to sell the right to the percentage of the revenue;
receiving, via a processor, an indication that a futures contract based on the right to the percentage of the revenue has been generated, in which the processor and the remote device are in communication over a network;
receiving, via the processor, an offer to purchase the futures contract at a purchase price;
transmitting to the remote device an acceptance of the offer; and
receiving, via the processor, an indication that the futures contract has been traded in an after-market at the purchase price. 18. The article of manufacture of claim 17, in which the futures contract is settled at a future date. 19. The article of manufacture of claim 18, in which the act of settling the futures contact comprises:
determining the amount of revenues generated by the at least one entertainment event on the settlement date; determining a value of the dividend based on the determined amount of revenues on the settlement date; and settling the futures contract based on a difference between the value of the dividend on the settlement date and the purchase price. 20. The article of manufacture of claim 17 in which the memory stores instructions which, when executed by the processor, direct the processor to perform the acts of:
extending the settlement date to a later date, in which the settlement date is extended based at least in part on the at least one entertainment event obtaining a level of success. 21. The article of manufacture of claim 17, in which the settlement date comprises a specific calendar date. 22. The article of manufacture of claim 17, in which the settlement date comprises a date that is a predefined amount of time subsequent to an occurrence of a specific milestone obtained by the at least one entertainment event. 23. The article of manufacture of claim 22,
in which the at least one entertainment event comprises a movie; and in which the settlement date comprises a date that is a predefined number of days after a release of the movie in a predefined number of theatres in at least one country. 24. The article of manufacture of claim 17, in which the dividend comprises a first scheduled dividend and a second scheduled dividend. | A method of trading includes performing a transaction of a futures contract between a buyer and a seller. The futures contract is associated with at least one entertainment event and comprises a purchase price and a settlement date. The method concludes by performing a settlement of the futures contract based at least in part upon the purchase price and a value associated with the entertainment event at the settlement date. The entertainment event is associated with a security and the transaction of the futures contract is performed in conjunction with the issuance of the security to the seller.1. A method comprising:
transmitting to a remote device a request to purchase a securities bundle in exchange for a right to receive a dividend at a settlement date, in which the dividend is based on an amount of revenues generated by at least one entertainment event, in which the securities bundle is indexed to a plurality of entertainment events; transmitting to the remote device an indication of a desire to sell the right to the percentage of the revenue; receiving, via a processor, an indication that a futures contract based on the right to the percentage of the revenue has been generated, in which the processor and the remote device are in communication over a network; receiving, via the processor, an offer to purchase the futures contract at a purchase price; transmitting to the remote device an acceptance of the offer; and receiving, via the processor, an indication that the futures contract has been traded in an after-market at the purchase price. 2. The method of claim 1, in which the futures contract is settled at a future date. 3. The method of claim 2, in which the act of settling the futures contact comprises:
determining the amount of revenues generated by the at least one entertainment event on the settlement date; determining a value of the dividend based on the determined amount of revenues on the settlement date; and settling the futures contract based on a difference between the value of the dividend on the settlement date and the purchase price. 4. The method of claim 1, further comprising:
extending the settlement date to a later date, in which the settlement date is extended based at least in part on the at least one entertainment event obtaining a level of success. 5. The method of claim 1, in which the settlement date comprises a specific calendar date. 6. The method of claim 1, in which the settlement date comprises a date that is a predefined amount of time subsequent to an occurrence of a specific milestone obtained by the at least one entertainment event. 7. The method of claim 6,
in which the at least one entertainment event comprises a movie; and in which the settlement date comprises a date that is a predefined number of days after a release of the movie in a predefined number of theatres in at least one country. 8. The method of claim 1, in which the dividend comprises a first scheduled dividend and a second scheduled dividend. 9. An apparatus comprising:
a processor; and a memory, in which the memory stores instructions which, when executed by the processor, direct the processor to perform the acts of:
transmitting to a remote device a request to purchase a securities bundle in exchange for a right to receive a dividend at a settlement date, in which the dividend is based on an amount of revenues generated by at least one entertainment event, in which the securities bundle is indexed to a plurality of entertainment events;
transmitting to the remote device an indication of a desire to sell the right to the percentage of the revenue;
receiving, via a processor, an indication that a futures contract based on the right to the percentage of the revenue has been generated, in which the processor and the remote device are in communication over a network;
receiving, via the processor, an offer to purchase the futures contract at a purchase price;
transmitting to the remote device an acceptance of the offer; and
receiving, via the processor, an indication that the futures contract has been traded in an after-market at the purchase price. 10. The apparatus of claim 9, in which the futures contract is settled at a future date. 11. The apparatus of claim 10, in which the act of settling the futures contact comprises:
determining the amount of revenues generated by the at least one entertainment event on the settlement date; determining a value of the dividend based on the determined amount of revenues on the settlement date; and settling the futures contract based on a difference between the value of the dividend on the settlement date and the purchase price. 12. The apparatus of claim 9, in which the memory stores instructions which, when executed by the processor, direct the processor to perform the acts of:
extending the settlement date to a later date, in which the settlement date is extended based at least in part on the at least one entertainment event obtaining a level of success. 13. The apparatus of claim 9, in which the settlement date comprises a specific calendar date. 14. The apparatus of claim 9, in which the settlement date comprises a date that is a predefined amount of time subsequent to an occurrence of a specific milestone obtained by the at least one entertainment event. 15. The apparatus of claim 14,
in which the at least one entertainment event comprises a movie; and in which the settlement date comprises a date that is a predefined number of days after a release of the movie in a predefined number of theatres in at least one country. 16. The apparatus of claim 9, in which the dividend comprises a first scheduled dividend and a second scheduled dividend. 17. An article of manufacture comprising:
a storage medium, in which the storage medium stores instructions which, when executed by a processor, direct the processor to perform the acts of:
transmitting to a remote device a request to purchase a securities bundle in exchange for a right to receive a dividend at a settlement date, in which the dividend is based on an amount of revenues generated by at least one entertainment event, in which the securities bundle is indexed to a plurality of entertainment events;
transmitting to the remote device an indication of a desire to sell the right to the percentage of the revenue;
receiving, via a processor, an indication that a futures contract based on the right to the percentage of the revenue has been generated, in which the processor and the remote device are in communication over a network;
receiving, via the processor, an offer to purchase the futures contract at a purchase price;
transmitting to the remote device an acceptance of the offer; and
receiving, via the processor, an indication that the futures contract has been traded in an after-market at the purchase price. 18. The article of manufacture of claim 17, in which the futures contract is settled at a future date. 19. The article of manufacture of claim 18, in which the act of settling the futures contact comprises:
determining the amount of revenues generated by the at least one entertainment event on the settlement date; determining a value of the dividend based on the determined amount of revenues on the settlement date; and settling the futures contract based on a difference between the value of the dividend on the settlement date and the purchase price. 20. The article of manufacture of claim 17 in which the memory stores instructions which, when executed by the processor, direct the processor to perform the acts of:
extending the settlement date to a later date, in which the settlement date is extended based at least in part on the at least one entertainment event obtaining a level of success. 21. The article of manufacture of claim 17, in which the settlement date comprises a specific calendar date. 22. The article of manufacture of claim 17, in which the settlement date comprises a date that is a predefined amount of time subsequent to an occurrence of a specific milestone obtained by the at least one entertainment event. 23. The article of manufacture of claim 22,
in which the at least one entertainment event comprises a movie; and in which the settlement date comprises a date that is a predefined number of days after a release of the movie in a predefined number of theatres in at least one country. 24. The article of manufacture of claim 17, in which the dividend comprises a first scheduled dividend and a second scheduled dividend. | 3,600 |
12,777 | 12,777 | 14,437,375 | 3,646 | A method and device for generating an image, the method including: generating an active radar image of an object; displaying the active radar image in a first representation on a display of a handheld screening device; detecting a movement of the handheld screening device; generating a second representation of the displayed radar image based on the detected movement. | 1. Method for generating an image comprising:
generating an active radar image of an object; displaying the active radar image in a first representation on a display of a handheld screening device; detecting a movement of the handheld screening device; generating a second representation of the displayed radar image based on the detected movement. 2. Method according to claim 1, wherein a smaller field of view of the active radar image is displayed as the second representation if the movement is a movement towards the object. 3. Method according to claim 1, wherein a larger field of view of the active radar image is displayed as the second representation if the movement is a movement away from the object. 4. Method according to claim 1, wherein a laterally shifted field of view is displayed as the second representation if the movement is a lateral movement with regard to the object. 5. Handheld screening device comprising:
an active radar scan unit to generate an active radar image of an object; a display to display the active radar image in a first representation; a movement sensor to detect a movement of the handheld screening device; and a processor to generate a second representation of the active radar image to be displayed on the display based on the movement. 6. Handheld screening device according to claim 5, wherein a smaller field of view of the active radar image is displayed as the second representation if the movement is a movement towards the object. 7. Handheld screening device according to claim 5, wherein a larger field of view of the active radar image is displayed as the second representation if the movement is a movement away from the object. 8. Handheld screening device according to claim 5, wherein a laterally shifted field of view is displayed as the second representation if the movement is a lateral movement with regard to the object. | A method and device for generating an image, the method including: generating an active radar image of an object; displaying the active radar image in a first representation on a display of a handheld screening device; detecting a movement of the handheld screening device; generating a second representation of the displayed radar image based on the detected movement.1. Method for generating an image comprising:
generating an active radar image of an object; displaying the active radar image in a first representation on a display of a handheld screening device; detecting a movement of the handheld screening device; generating a second representation of the displayed radar image based on the detected movement. 2. Method according to claim 1, wherein a smaller field of view of the active radar image is displayed as the second representation if the movement is a movement towards the object. 3. Method according to claim 1, wherein a larger field of view of the active radar image is displayed as the second representation if the movement is a movement away from the object. 4. Method according to claim 1, wherein a laterally shifted field of view is displayed as the second representation if the movement is a lateral movement with regard to the object. 5. Handheld screening device comprising:
an active radar scan unit to generate an active radar image of an object; a display to display the active radar image in a first representation; a movement sensor to detect a movement of the handheld screening device; and a processor to generate a second representation of the active radar image to be displayed on the display based on the movement. 6. Handheld screening device according to claim 5, wherein a smaller field of view of the active radar image is displayed as the second representation if the movement is a movement towards the object. 7. Handheld screening device according to claim 5, wherein a larger field of view of the active radar image is displayed as the second representation if the movement is a movement away from the object. 8. Handheld screening device according to claim 5, wherein a laterally shifted field of view is displayed as the second representation if the movement is a lateral movement with regard to the object. | 3,600 |
12,778 | 12,778 | 14,206,808 | 3,683 | Systems and methods for providing a service experience score at a merchant physical location include a system provider device that determines, through communication at least one of a plurality of beacon devices located at the merchant physical location and a user device, a start of a user service experience. The system provider device also determines, through the at least one of the plurality of beacon devices and the user device, an end of the user service experience. A service experience score that is based at least partly on the start of the user service experience and the end of the user service experience is generated. The service experience score is stored in a database in association with a merchant that is associated with the merchant physical location. Subsets of the service experience score may be associated with different locations of the merchant physical location. | 1. A merchant physical location service experience score system, comprising:
at least one non-transitory memory storing information about a merchant physical location that includes a plurality of beacon devices; and one or more hardware processors that are coupled to the at least one non-transitory memory and that are configured to read instructions from the at least one non-transitory memory to perform the steps of:
determining, through communication between at least one of the plurality of beacon devices and a user device, a start of a user service experience of a user that is associated with the user device;
determining, through communication between the at least one of the plurality of beacon devices and the user device, an end of the user service experience of the user that is associated with the user device;
generating, by a system provider device, a service experience score that is based at least partly on the start of the user service experience and the end of the user service experience; and
storing, by the system provider device, the service experience score in a database in association with a merchant that is associated with the merchant physical location. 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the one or more hardware processors are further operable to read instructions from the at least one non-transitory memory to perform the steps of:
determining, through communication between the at least one of the plurality of beacon devices and the user device, that a first service event has occurred between the start of the user service experience and the end of the user service experience, wherein the service experience score is generated using the first service event. 3. The system of claim 2, wherein the one or more hardware processors are further operable to read instructions from the at least one non-transitory memory to perform the steps of:
measuring at least one of a first time between the start of the user service experience and the first service event and a second time between the first service event and the end of the user service experience, wherein the service experience score is generated using the at least one of the first time and the second time. 4. The system of claim 1, wherein the one or more hardware processors are further operable to read instructions from the at least one non-transitory memory to perform the steps of:
aggregating the service experience score that is associated with the merchant with a plurality of other service experience scores that were previously generated by other users and associated with the merchant to generate an aggregated service experience score that is associated with the merchant; and providing the aggregated service experience score over a network for display on a display device. 5. The system of claim 1, wherein the one or more hardware processors are further operable to read instructions from the at least one non-transitory memory to perform the steps of:
determining, through communication between the at least one of the plurality of beacon devices and the user device, a location of the user device within the merchant physical location, wherein the service experience score is generated using the location of the user device within the merchant physical location. 6. The system of claim 5, wherein the one or more hardware processors are further operable to read instructions from the at least one non-transitory memory to perform the steps of:
detecting a payment for at least one order that is associated with the user device and, in response generating the service experience score; and associating the service experience score with the location of the user device within the merchant physical location. 7. A method for determining a service experience score, comprising:
determining, by a system provider device through communication between at least one beacon device that is located at a merchant physical location and a user device, a start of a user service experience of a user that is associated with the user device; determining, by the system provider device through communication between the at least one beacon device that is located at the merchant physical location and the user device, an end of the user service experience of the user that is associated with the user device; generating, by the system provider device, a service experience score that is based at least partly on the start of the user service experience and the end of the user service experience; and storing, by the system provider device, the service experience score in a database in association with a merchant that is associated with the merchant physical location. 8. The method of claim 7, further comprising:
determining, by the system provider device through communication between the at least one beacon device that is located at the merchant physical location and the user device, that a first service event has occurred between the start of the user service experience and the end of the user service experience, wherein the service experience score is generated using the first service event. 9. The method of claim 8, further comprising:
measuring, by the system provider device, at least one of a first time between the start of the user service experience and the first service event and a second time between the first service event and the end of the user service experience, wherein the service experience score is generated using the at least one of the first time and the second time. 10. The method of claim 8, further comprising:
aggregating, by the system provider device, the service experience score that is associated with the merchant with a plurality of other service experience scores that were previously generated by other users and associated with the merchant to generate an aggregated service experience score that is associated with the merchant; and providing, by the system provider device, the aggregated service experience score over a network for display on a display device. 11. The method of claim 8, further comprising:
determining, by the system provider device through communication between the at least one beacon device that is located at the merchant physical location and the user device, that a second service event has occurred subsequent to the first service event, wherein the service experience score is generated using the first service event and the second service event. 12. The method of claim 11, further comprising:
measuring, by the system provider device, a time between the first service event and the second service event, wherein the service experience score is generated using the measured time. 13. The method of claim 11, further comprising:
measuring, by the system provider device, a time between the second service event and the end of the user service experience, wherein the service experience score is generated using the measured time. 14. The method of claim 7, further comprising:
determining, by a system provider device through communication between at least one beacon device that is located at a merchant physical location and the user device, a location of the user device within the merchant physical location, wherein the service experience score is generated using the location of the user device within the merchant physical location. 15. The method of claim 14, further comprising:
detecting, by the system provider device, payment for at least one order that is associated with the user device and, in response, generating the service experience score; and associating, by the system provider device, the service experience score with the location of the user device within the merchant physical location. 16. The method of claim 7, further comprising:
generating, by the system provider device, a service experience score map that is includes subsets of the service experience score associated with different locations on the service experience score map. 17. A non-transitory machine-readable medium comprising a plurality of machine-readable instructions which, when executed by one or more processors, are adapted to cause the one or more processors to perform a method comprising:
determining, through communication between at least one beacon device that is located at a merchant physical location and a user device, a start of a user service experience of a user that is associated with the user device; determining, through communication between the at least one beacon device and the user device, an end of the user service experience of the user that is associated with the user device; generating a service experience score that is based at least partly on the start of the user service experience and the end of the user service experience; and storing the service experience score in a database in association with a merchant that is associated with the merchant physical location. 18. The non-transitory machine-readable medium of claim 17, wherein the method further comprises:
determining, through communication between the at least one beacon device and the user device, that a first service event has occurred between the start of the user service experience and the end of the user service experience, wherein the service experience score is generated using the first service event. 19. The non-transitory machine-readable medium of claim 18, wherein the method further comprises:
measuring at least one of a first time between the start of the user service experience and the first service event and a second time between the first service event and the end of the user service experience, wherein the service experience score is generated using the at least one of the first time and the second time. 20. The non-transitory machine-readable medium of claim 18, wherein the method further comprises:
aggregating the service experience score that is associated with the merchant with a plurality of other service experience scores that were previously generated by other users and associated with the merchant to generate an aggregated service experience score that is associated with the merchant; and providing the aggregated service experience score over a network for display on a display device. | Systems and methods for providing a service experience score at a merchant physical location include a system provider device that determines, through communication at least one of a plurality of beacon devices located at the merchant physical location and a user device, a start of a user service experience. The system provider device also determines, through the at least one of the plurality of beacon devices and the user device, an end of the user service experience. A service experience score that is based at least partly on the start of the user service experience and the end of the user service experience is generated. The service experience score is stored in a database in association with a merchant that is associated with the merchant physical location. Subsets of the service experience score may be associated with different locations of the merchant physical location.1. A merchant physical location service experience score system, comprising:
at least one non-transitory memory storing information about a merchant physical location that includes a plurality of beacon devices; and one or more hardware processors that are coupled to the at least one non-transitory memory and that are configured to read instructions from the at least one non-transitory memory to perform the steps of:
determining, through communication between at least one of the plurality of beacon devices and a user device, a start of a user service experience of a user that is associated with the user device;
determining, through communication between the at least one of the plurality of beacon devices and the user device, an end of the user service experience of the user that is associated with the user device;
generating, by a system provider device, a service experience score that is based at least partly on the start of the user service experience and the end of the user service experience; and
storing, by the system provider device, the service experience score in a database in association with a merchant that is associated with the merchant physical location. 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the one or more hardware processors are further operable to read instructions from the at least one non-transitory memory to perform the steps of:
determining, through communication between the at least one of the plurality of beacon devices and the user device, that a first service event has occurred between the start of the user service experience and the end of the user service experience, wherein the service experience score is generated using the first service event. 3. The system of claim 2, wherein the one or more hardware processors are further operable to read instructions from the at least one non-transitory memory to perform the steps of:
measuring at least one of a first time between the start of the user service experience and the first service event and a second time between the first service event and the end of the user service experience, wherein the service experience score is generated using the at least one of the first time and the second time. 4. The system of claim 1, wherein the one or more hardware processors are further operable to read instructions from the at least one non-transitory memory to perform the steps of:
aggregating the service experience score that is associated with the merchant with a plurality of other service experience scores that were previously generated by other users and associated with the merchant to generate an aggregated service experience score that is associated with the merchant; and providing the aggregated service experience score over a network for display on a display device. 5. The system of claim 1, wherein the one or more hardware processors are further operable to read instructions from the at least one non-transitory memory to perform the steps of:
determining, through communication between the at least one of the plurality of beacon devices and the user device, a location of the user device within the merchant physical location, wherein the service experience score is generated using the location of the user device within the merchant physical location. 6. The system of claim 5, wherein the one or more hardware processors are further operable to read instructions from the at least one non-transitory memory to perform the steps of:
detecting a payment for at least one order that is associated with the user device and, in response generating the service experience score; and associating the service experience score with the location of the user device within the merchant physical location. 7. A method for determining a service experience score, comprising:
determining, by a system provider device through communication between at least one beacon device that is located at a merchant physical location and a user device, a start of a user service experience of a user that is associated with the user device; determining, by the system provider device through communication between the at least one beacon device that is located at the merchant physical location and the user device, an end of the user service experience of the user that is associated with the user device; generating, by the system provider device, a service experience score that is based at least partly on the start of the user service experience and the end of the user service experience; and storing, by the system provider device, the service experience score in a database in association with a merchant that is associated with the merchant physical location. 8. The method of claim 7, further comprising:
determining, by the system provider device through communication between the at least one beacon device that is located at the merchant physical location and the user device, that a first service event has occurred between the start of the user service experience and the end of the user service experience, wherein the service experience score is generated using the first service event. 9. The method of claim 8, further comprising:
measuring, by the system provider device, at least one of a first time between the start of the user service experience and the first service event and a second time between the first service event and the end of the user service experience, wherein the service experience score is generated using the at least one of the first time and the second time. 10. The method of claim 8, further comprising:
aggregating, by the system provider device, the service experience score that is associated with the merchant with a plurality of other service experience scores that were previously generated by other users and associated with the merchant to generate an aggregated service experience score that is associated with the merchant; and providing, by the system provider device, the aggregated service experience score over a network for display on a display device. 11. The method of claim 8, further comprising:
determining, by the system provider device through communication between the at least one beacon device that is located at the merchant physical location and the user device, that a second service event has occurred subsequent to the first service event, wherein the service experience score is generated using the first service event and the second service event. 12. The method of claim 11, further comprising:
measuring, by the system provider device, a time between the first service event and the second service event, wherein the service experience score is generated using the measured time. 13. The method of claim 11, further comprising:
measuring, by the system provider device, a time between the second service event and the end of the user service experience, wherein the service experience score is generated using the measured time. 14. The method of claim 7, further comprising:
determining, by a system provider device through communication between at least one beacon device that is located at a merchant physical location and the user device, a location of the user device within the merchant physical location, wherein the service experience score is generated using the location of the user device within the merchant physical location. 15. The method of claim 14, further comprising:
detecting, by the system provider device, payment for at least one order that is associated with the user device and, in response, generating the service experience score; and associating, by the system provider device, the service experience score with the location of the user device within the merchant physical location. 16. The method of claim 7, further comprising:
generating, by the system provider device, a service experience score map that is includes subsets of the service experience score associated with different locations on the service experience score map. 17. A non-transitory machine-readable medium comprising a plurality of machine-readable instructions which, when executed by one or more processors, are adapted to cause the one or more processors to perform a method comprising:
determining, through communication between at least one beacon device that is located at a merchant physical location and a user device, a start of a user service experience of a user that is associated with the user device; determining, through communication between the at least one beacon device and the user device, an end of the user service experience of the user that is associated with the user device; generating a service experience score that is based at least partly on the start of the user service experience and the end of the user service experience; and storing the service experience score in a database in association with a merchant that is associated with the merchant physical location. 18. The non-transitory machine-readable medium of claim 17, wherein the method further comprises:
determining, through communication between the at least one beacon device and the user device, that a first service event has occurred between the start of the user service experience and the end of the user service experience, wherein the service experience score is generated using the first service event. 19. The non-transitory machine-readable medium of claim 18, wherein the method further comprises:
measuring at least one of a first time between the start of the user service experience and the first service event and a second time between the first service event and the end of the user service experience, wherein the service experience score is generated using the at least one of the first time and the second time. 20. The non-transitory machine-readable medium of claim 18, wherein the method further comprises:
aggregating the service experience score that is associated with the merchant with a plurality of other service experience scores that were previously generated by other users and associated with the merchant to generate an aggregated service experience score that is associated with the merchant; and providing the aggregated service experience score over a network for display on a display device. | 3,600 |
12,779 | 12,779 | 11,937,055 | 3,624 | A method and system for validating data and providing on-time updates within a multi-enterprise material requirements planning environment. A method of validating materials requirements planning (MRP) results includes determining when a current aggregate demand of a part number is greater than or less than a previous aggregate demand of the part number by a first predetermined tolerance. The method also includes identifying at least one driver of the part number in which a current demand is greater than or less than a previous demand by a second predetermined tolerance. Additionally, the method includes generating a report comprising the at least one driver, the current demand, and the previous demand. | 1. A method of validating materials requirements planning (MRP) results, comprising:
determining when a current aggregate demand of a part number is greater than or less than a previous aggregate demand of the part number by a first predetermined tolerance; identifying at least one driver of the part number in which a current demand is greater than or less than a previous demand by a second predetermined tolerance; and generating a report comprising the at least one driver, the current demand, and the previous demand. 2. The method of claim 1, further comprising determining whether a parameter of the at least one driver is accurate or inaccurate. 3. The method of claim 2, wherein the parameter comprises at least one of: original quantities, product structure, supply quantity, and parameters quantity. 4. The method of claim 2, further comprising updating the parameter when the parameter is inaccurate. 5. The method of claim 4, wherein the updating comprises changing a value of a data field in a database. 6. The method of claim 4, further comprising determining whether the updating brings the current aggregate demand of the part number within tolerance. 7. The method of claim 1, wherein the first predetermined tolerance equals the second predetermined tolerance. 8. The method of claim 1, wherein the first predetermined tolerance does not equal the second predetermined tolerance. 9. The method of claim 1, wherein the previous demand equals a demand value of the at least one driver from a previous MRP planning cycle. 10. The method of claim 1, wherein the previous demand equals an average demand value of the at least one driver from a plurality of previous MRP planning cycles. 11. The method of claim 1, further comprising displaying the report. 12. The method of claim 11, wherein the report comprises historical demand values of the at least one driver for a plurality of previous MRP planning cycles. 13. The method of claim 1, wherein the at least one driver comprises a plurality of out of tolerance drivers of the part number. 14. The method of claim 1, wherein a service provider at least one of creates, maintains, deploys and supports a computer infrastructure that performs at least one of the identifying and the generating. 15. A system for validating materials requirements planning (MRP) results, comprising:
a computer infrastructure configured to:
determine when a current aggregate demand of a part number is greater than or less than a previous aggregate demand of the part number by a first predetermined tolerance; and
identify at least one driver of the part number in which a current demand is greater than or less than a previous demand by a second predetermined tolerance. 16. The system of claim 15, wherein the computer infrastructure is further configured to generate a report comprising the at least one driver, the current demand, and the previous demand. 17. The system of claim 15, wherein the computer infrastructure is further configured to determine whether an updating of at least one parameter of the at least one driver brings the current aggregate demand of the part number within tolerance. 18. The system of claim 17, wherein the at least one parameter comprises at least one of: original quantities, product structure, supply quantity, and parameters quantity. 19. A computer program product comprising a computer usable medium having a computer readable program embodied in the medium, wherein the computer readable program when executed on a computing device is operable to cause the computing device to:
identify at least one driver of a part number in which a current demand of the at least one driver is greater than or less than a previous demand of the at least one driver by a predetermined tolerance; and generate a report comprising: the at least one driver, the current demand, the previous demand, and a plurality of historical demands associated with a plurality of previous MRP planning cycles. 20. The computer program product of claim 19, wherein:
the at least one driver comprises a plurality of out of tolerance drivers of the part number, and the computer readable program is further operable to cause the computing device to display the report. | A method and system for validating data and providing on-time updates within a multi-enterprise material requirements planning environment. A method of validating materials requirements planning (MRP) results includes determining when a current aggregate demand of a part number is greater than or less than a previous aggregate demand of the part number by a first predetermined tolerance. The method also includes identifying at least one driver of the part number in which a current demand is greater than or less than a previous demand by a second predetermined tolerance. Additionally, the method includes generating a report comprising the at least one driver, the current demand, and the previous demand.1. A method of validating materials requirements planning (MRP) results, comprising:
determining when a current aggregate demand of a part number is greater than or less than a previous aggregate demand of the part number by a first predetermined tolerance; identifying at least one driver of the part number in which a current demand is greater than or less than a previous demand by a second predetermined tolerance; and generating a report comprising the at least one driver, the current demand, and the previous demand. 2. The method of claim 1, further comprising determining whether a parameter of the at least one driver is accurate or inaccurate. 3. The method of claim 2, wherein the parameter comprises at least one of: original quantities, product structure, supply quantity, and parameters quantity. 4. The method of claim 2, further comprising updating the parameter when the parameter is inaccurate. 5. The method of claim 4, wherein the updating comprises changing a value of a data field in a database. 6. The method of claim 4, further comprising determining whether the updating brings the current aggregate demand of the part number within tolerance. 7. The method of claim 1, wherein the first predetermined tolerance equals the second predetermined tolerance. 8. The method of claim 1, wherein the first predetermined tolerance does not equal the second predetermined tolerance. 9. The method of claim 1, wherein the previous demand equals a demand value of the at least one driver from a previous MRP planning cycle. 10. The method of claim 1, wherein the previous demand equals an average demand value of the at least one driver from a plurality of previous MRP planning cycles. 11. The method of claim 1, further comprising displaying the report. 12. The method of claim 11, wherein the report comprises historical demand values of the at least one driver for a plurality of previous MRP planning cycles. 13. The method of claim 1, wherein the at least one driver comprises a plurality of out of tolerance drivers of the part number. 14. The method of claim 1, wherein a service provider at least one of creates, maintains, deploys and supports a computer infrastructure that performs at least one of the identifying and the generating. 15. A system for validating materials requirements planning (MRP) results, comprising:
a computer infrastructure configured to:
determine when a current aggregate demand of a part number is greater than or less than a previous aggregate demand of the part number by a first predetermined tolerance; and
identify at least one driver of the part number in which a current demand is greater than or less than a previous demand by a second predetermined tolerance. 16. The system of claim 15, wherein the computer infrastructure is further configured to generate a report comprising the at least one driver, the current demand, and the previous demand. 17. The system of claim 15, wherein the computer infrastructure is further configured to determine whether an updating of at least one parameter of the at least one driver brings the current aggregate demand of the part number within tolerance. 18. The system of claim 17, wherein the at least one parameter comprises at least one of: original quantities, product structure, supply quantity, and parameters quantity. 19. A computer program product comprising a computer usable medium having a computer readable program embodied in the medium, wherein the computer readable program when executed on a computing device is operable to cause the computing device to:
identify at least one driver of a part number in which a current demand of the at least one driver is greater than or less than a previous demand of the at least one driver by a predetermined tolerance; and generate a report comprising: the at least one driver, the current demand, the previous demand, and a plurality of historical demands associated with a plurality of previous MRP planning cycles. 20. The computer program product of claim 19, wherein:
the at least one driver comprises a plurality of out of tolerance drivers of the part number, and the computer readable program is further operable to cause the computing device to display the report. | 3,600 |
12,780 | 12,780 | 13,416,114 | 3,656 | A bicycle pedal comprises a pedal axle, a main pedal body, a coupling mechanism and a cleat movement restricting member. The main pedal body is rotatably supported on the pedal axle. The coupling mechanism includes a first cleat securing member and a second cleat securing member. The first cleat securing member is configured to be coupled to a front portion of a cleat. The second cleat securing member is configured to be coupled a rear portion of the cleat. The cleat movement restricting member is configured to restrict movement of the cleat in at least one direction between a frontward direction and a rearward direction. The cleat movement restricting member is further configured and arranged relative to the coupling mechanism such that the cleat movement restricting member guides the cleat during a cleat disengagement operation in which the cleat detaches from the coupling mechanism. | 1. A bicycle pedal comprising:
a pedal axle; a main pedal body rotatably supported on the pedal axle; a coupling mechanism including a first cleat securing member configured to be coupled to a front portion of a cleat and a second cleat securing member configured to be coupled a rear portion of the cleat; and a cleat movement restricting member configured to restrict movement of the cleat in at least one direction between a frontward direction and a rearward direction, the cleat movement restricting member being further configured and arranged relative to the coupling mechanism such that the cleat movement restricting member guides the cleat during a cleat disengagement operation in which the cleat detaches from the coupling mechanism. 2. The bicycle pedal according to claim 1, wherein
the cleat movement restricting member is arranged in a position relative to the main pedal body such that the cleat movement restricting member restricts rearward movement of the cleat while retained by the coupling mechanism to the main pedal body. 3. The bicycle pedal according to claim 2, wherein
the cleat movement restricting member is arranged rearward of the first cleat securing member so as to face toward the first cleat securing member. 4. The bicycle pedal according to claim 3, wherein
the cleat movement restricting member is located farther rearward with respect to the main pedal body than the pedal axle. 5. The bicycle pedal according to claim 1, wherein
the first cleat securing member is non-movably fastened to the main pedal body, and the second cleat securing member is pivotally attached to the main pedal body. 6. The bicycle pedal according to claim 1, wherein
the cleat movement restricting member is joined integrally to the first cleat securing member through an intermediate portion as a one-piece, unitary member. 7. The bicycle pedal according to claim 6, wherein
the first cleat securing member has a first end portion that is positioned adjacent a base end of the pedal axle, and a second end portion that is positioned adjacent a tip end of the pedal axle; the cleat movement restricting member has a third end portion that is positioned adjacent the base end of the pedal axle, and a fourth end portion that is positioned adjacent the tip end of the pedal axle; and the intermediate portion joins the second and fourth end portions together. 8. The bicycle pedal according to claim 6, wherein
the first cleat securing member has a first end portion that is positioned adjacent a base end of the pedal axle and a second end portion that is positioned adjacent a tip end of the pedal axle; the cleat movement restricting member has a third end portion that is positioned adjacent the base end of the pedal axle and a fourth end portion that is positioned adjacent the tip end of the pedal axle; and the intermediate portion joins the first and third end portions together. 9. The bicycle pedal according to claim 1, wherein
the cleat movement restricting member is a separate and distinct member from the first cleat securing member. 10. The bicycle pedal according to claim 1, wherein
the cleat movement restricting member has a first slanted face that is configured to guide the cleat such that the cleat detaches from the coupling mechanism, and a second slanted face that is positioned on an opposite side as the first slanted face and that is slanted in a same direction as the first slanted face. 11. The bicycle pedal according to claim 1, wherein
the first cleat securing member, the second cleat securing member, and the cleat movement restricting member are provided on a first face of the main pedal body, and an additional first cleat securing member, an additional second cleat securing member, and an additional cleat movement restricting member are provided on a second face of the main pedal body that is opposite the first face. 12. The bicycle pedal according to claim 2, wherein
the first cleat securing member is non-movably fastened to the main pedal body, and the second cleat securing member is pivotally attached to the main pedal body. 13. The bicycle pedal according to claim 12, wherein
the cleat movement restricting member is joined integrally to the first cleat securing member through an intermediate portion as a one-piece, unitary member. 14. The bicycle pedal according to claim 13, wherein
the cleat movement restricting member has a first slanted face that is configured to guide the cleat such that the cleat detaches from the coupling mechanism, and a second slanted face that is positioned on an opposite side as the first slanted face and that is slanted in a same direction as the first slanted face. | A bicycle pedal comprises a pedal axle, a main pedal body, a coupling mechanism and a cleat movement restricting member. The main pedal body is rotatably supported on the pedal axle. The coupling mechanism includes a first cleat securing member and a second cleat securing member. The first cleat securing member is configured to be coupled to a front portion of a cleat. The second cleat securing member is configured to be coupled a rear portion of the cleat. The cleat movement restricting member is configured to restrict movement of the cleat in at least one direction between a frontward direction and a rearward direction. The cleat movement restricting member is further configured and arranged relative to the coupling mechanism such that the cleat movement restricting member guides the cleat during a cleat disengagement operation in which the cleat detaches from the coupling mechanism.1. A bicycle pedal comprising:
a pedal axle; a main pedal body rotatably supported on the pedal axle; a coupling mechanism including a first cleat securing member configured to be coupled to a front portion of a cleat and a second cleat securing member configured to be coupled a rear portion of the cleat; and a cleat movement restricting member configured to restrict movement of the cleat in at least one direction between a frontward direction and a rearward direction, the cleat movement restricting member being further configured and arranged relative to the coupling mechanism such that the cleat movement restricting member guides the cleat during a cleat disengagement operation in which the cleat detaches from the coupling mechanism. 2. The bicycle pedal according to claim 1, wherein
the cleat movement restricting member is arranged in a position relative to the main pedal body such that the cleat movement restricting member restricts rearward movement of the cleat while retained by the coupling mechanism to the main pedal body. 3. The bicycle pedal according to claim 2, wherein
the cleat movement restricting member is arranged rearward of the first cleat securing member so as to face toward the first cleat securing member. 4. The bicycle pedal according to claim 3, wherein
the cleat movement restricting member is located farther rearward with respect to the main pedal body than the pedal axle. 5. The bicycle pedal according to claim 1, wherein
the first cleat securing member is non-movably fastened to the main pedal body, and the second cleat securing member is pivotally attached to the main pedal body. 6. The bicycle pedal according to claim 1, wherein
the cleat movement restricting member is joined integrally to the first cleat securing member through an intermediate portion as a one-piece, unitary member. 7. The bicycle pedal according to claim 6, wherein
the first cleat securing member has a first end portion that is positioned adjacent a base end of the pedal axle, and a second end portion that is positioned adjacent a tip end of the pedal axle; the cleat movement restricting member has a third end portion that is positioned adjacent the base end of the pedal axle, and a fourth end portion that is positioned adjacent the tip end of the pedal axle; and the intermediate portion joins the second and fourth end portions together. 8. The bicycle pedal according to claim 6, wherein
the first cleat securing member has a first end portion that is positioned adjacent a base end of the pedal axle and a second end portion that is positioned adjacent a tip end of the pedal axle; the cleat movement restricting member has a third end portion that is positioned adjacent the base end of the pedal axle and a fourth end portion that is positioned adjacent the tip end of the pedal axle; and the intermediate portion joins the first and third end portions together. 9. The bicycle pedal according to claim 1, wherein
the cleat movement restricting member is a separate and distinct member from the first cleat securing member. 10. The bicycle pedal according to claim 1, wherein
the cleat movement restricting member has a first slanted face that is configured to guide the cleat such that the cleat detaches from the coupling mechanism, and a second slanted face that is positioned on an opposite side as the first slanted face and that is slanted in a same direction as the first slanted face. 11. The bicycle pedal according to claim 1, wherein
the first cleat securing member, the second cleat securing member, and the cleat movement restricting member are provided on a first face of the main pedal body, and an additional first cleat securing member, an additional second cleat securing member, and an additional cleat movement restricting member are provided on a second face of the main pedal body that is opposite the first face. 12. The bicycle pedal according to claim 2, wherein
the first cleat securing member is non-movably fastened to the main pedal body, and the second cleat securing member is pivotally attached to the main pedal body. 13. The bicycle pedal according to claim 12, wherein
the cleat movement restricting member is joined integrally to the first cleat securing member through an intermediate portion as a one-piece, unitary member. 14. The bicycle pedal according to claim 13, wherein
the cleat movement restricting member has a first slanted face that is configured to guide the cleat such that the cleat detaches from the coupling mechanism, and a second slanted face that is positioned on an opposite side as the first slanted face and that is slanted in a same direction as the first slanted face. | 3,600 |
12,781 | 12,781 | 14,561,005 | 3,626 | A system and method for displaying patient data is described. Such patient data includes a list of patients with a plurality of clinical variables associated with each patient. The patient data is displayed in a manner that enables a clinical user to quickly and easily identify patients from an entire follow-up cohort based on visual evaluation. | 1. A system for displaying patient data, comprising:
a processing device; a display and user input device interfaced to the processing device; wherein the processing device is configured to: receive patient data from an external data source, wherein the patient data includes a list of patients with a plurality of clinical variables associated with each patient; receive one or more user-selected clinical variables via the user input; display one or more axes that each represent one of the user-selected clinical variables; display a subset of the patient data as a representation of the listed patients depicted in a space defined by the one or more axes according to the value of the user-selected clinical variable(s) associated with each patient; receive via the user input device a selected range for one or more of the user-selected clinical variables; and, display detailed data for each of the listed patients whose associated clinical variables are within the selected range. 2. The system of claim 1 wherein the processing device is configured to receive the selected range for the one or more of the user-selected clinical variables as a region of interest drawn on the display. 3. The system of claim 1 wherein the processing device is configured to receive the selected range for the one or more of the user-selected clinical variables as a numerical input. 4. The system of claim 1 wherein the representation of the listed patients is a scatter plot of data points in the space defined by the one or more axes with each data point representing a patient and having coordinates that correspond to the values of the clinical variables associated with that patient. 5. The system of claim 1 wherein the representation of the list of patients is a histogram plotted against the one or more axes showing the number of patients having associated clinical variable values corresponding to coordinates of the one or more axes. 6. The system of claim 1 wherein the patient data includes values of clinical variables measured at different times and wherein the representation of the list of patients is, for each such patient, the values of one or more clinical variables associated with that patient plotted against a time axis. 7. The system of claim 1 wherein the processing device is configured so that the patient data subset may be filtered in accordance with a user input to display a desired layer of the subset that includes only patients with particular characteristics. 8. The system of claim 7 wherein the processing device is configured to provide a check list of patient characteristics that a user may select by checking a box to turn layers on or off. 9. The system of claim 7 wherein the layers are defined to include patient characteristics selected from a group that include those patients who are: treated by a particular physician, being seen at a particular clinic, taking part in a particular study, hospitalized during some time period (e.g., the last 30 days), seen in a clinic during some time period (e.g., in the last two weeks), and being monitored by a particular physician. 10. The system of claim 1 wherein the processing device is configured to, for clinical variables that require data to be collected for some time prior to being displayable, display a progress graph or progress list that shows those patients that are still pending completion of initial data collection or who have missing data. 11. The system of claim 4 wherein the processing device is configured to accept a user input that identifies a boundary for a clinical variable and to display highlighted data points for those patients whose clinical variable values have crossed that boundary over a user-specified period of time. 12. The system of claim 4 wherein the processing device is configured to accept a user input that identifies a specified change amount for a clinical variable and to display highlighted data points for those patients whose clinical variable values have changed by at least the specified change amount over a user-specified period of time. 13. The system of claim 4 wherein the processing device is configured to display tracks for particular data points that show how the clinical variable value has changed. 14. A method for displaying patient data, comprising:
receiving patient data from an external data source, wherein the patient data includes a list of patients with a plurality of clinical variables associated with each patient; receiving one or more user-selected clinical variables via a user input; displaying one or more axes that each represent one of the user-selected clinical variables; displaying a subset of the patient data as a representation of the listed patients depicted in a space defined by the one or more axes according to the value of the user-selected clinical variable associated with each patient; receiving via the user input a selected range for one or more of the user-selected clinical variables; and, displaying detailed data for each of the listed patients whose associated clinical variables are within the selected range. 15. The method of claim 14 further comprising receiving the selected range for the one or more of the user-selected clinical variables as a region of interest drawn on the display. 16. The method of claim 14 further comprising receiving the selected range for the one or more of the user-selected clinical variables as a numerical input. 17. The method of claim 14 wherein the representation of the listed patients is a scatter plot of data points in the space defined by the one or more axes with each data point representing a patient and having coordinates that correspond to the values of the clinical variables associated with that patient. 18. The method of claim 14 wherein the representation of the list of patients is a histogram plotted against the one or more axes showing the number of patients having associated clinical variable values corresponding to coordinates of the one or more axes. 19. The method of claim 14 wherein the patient data includes values of clinical variables measured at different times and wherein the representation of the list of patients is, fur each such patient, the values of one or more clinical variables associated with that patient plotted against a time axis. 20. The method of claim 14 further comprising filtering the patient data subset in accordance with a user input to display a desired layer of the subset that includes only patients with particular characteristics. | A system and method for displaying patient data is described. Such patient data includes a list of patients with a plurality of clinical variables associated with each patient. The patient data is displayed in a manner that enables a clinical user to quickly and easily identify patients from an entire follow-up cohort based on visual evaluation.1. A system for displaying patient data, comprising:
a processing device; a display and user input device interfaced to the processing device; wherein the processing device is configured to: receive patient data from an external data source, wherein the patient data includes a list of patients with a plurality of clinical variables associated with each patient; receive one or more user-selected clinical variables via the user input; display one or more axes that each represent one of the user-selected clinical variables; display a subset of the patient data as a representation of the listed patients depicted in a space defined by the one or more axes according to the value of the user-selected clinical variable(s) associated with each patient; receive via the user input device a selected range for one or more of the user-selected clinical variables; and, display detailed data for each of the listed patients whose associated clinical variables are within the selected range. 2. The system of claim 1 wherein the processing device is configured to receive the selected range for the one or more of the user-selected clinical variables as a region of interest drawn on the display. 3. The system of claim 1 wherein the processing device is configured to receive the selected range for the one or more of the user-selected clinical variables as a numerical input. 4. The system of claim 1 wherein the representation of the listed patients is a scatter plot of data points in the space defined by the one or more axes with each data point representing a patient and having coordinates that correspond to the values of the clinical variables associated with that patient. 5. The system of claim 1 wherein the representation of the list of patients is a histogram plotted against the one or more axes showing the number of patients having associated clinical variable values corresponding to coordinates of the one or more axes. 6. The system of claim 1 wherein the patient data includes values of clinical variables measured at different times and wherein the representation of the list of patients is, for each such patient, the values of one or more clinical variables associated with that patient plotted against a time axis. 7. The system of claim 1 wherein the processing device is configured so that the patient data subset may be filtered in accordance with a user input to display a desired layer of the subset that includes only patients with particular characteristics. 8. The system of claim 7 wherein the processing device is configured to provide a check list of patient characteristics that a user may select by checking a box to turn layers on or off. 9. The system of claim 7 wherein the layers are defined to include patient characteristics selected from a group that include those patients who are: treated by a particular physician, being seen at a particular clinic, taking part in a particular study, hospitalized during some time period (e.g., the last 30 days), seen in a clinic during some time period (e.g., in the last two weeks), and being monitored by a particular physician. 10. The system of claim 1 wherein the processing device is configured to, for clinical variables that require data to be collected for some time prior to being displayable, display a progress graph or progress list that shows those patients that are still pending completion of initial data collection or who have missing data. 11. The system of claim 4 wherein the processing device is configured to accept a user input that identifies a boundary for a clinical variable and to display highlighted data points for those patients whose clinical variable values have crossed that boundary over a user-specified period of time. 12. The system of claim 4 wherein the processing device is configured to accept a user input that identifies a specified change amount for a clinical variable and to display highlighted data points for those patients whose clinical variable values have changed by at least the specified change amount over a user-specified period of time. 13. The system of claim 4 wherein the processing device is configured to display tracks for particular data points that show how the clinical variable value has changed. 14. A method for displaying patient data, comprising:
receiving patient data from an external data source, wherein the patient data includes a list of patients with a plurality of clinical variables associated with each patient; receiving one or more user-selected clinical variables via a user input; displaying one or more axes that each represent one of the user-selected clinical variables; displaying a subset of the patient data as a representation of the listed patients depicted in a space defined by the one or more axes according to the value of the user-selected clinical variable associated with each patient; receiving via the user input a selected range for one or more of the user-selected clinical variables; and, displaying detailed data for each of the listed patients whose associated clinical variables are within the selected range. 15. The method of claim 14 further comprising receiving the selected range for the one or more of the user-selected clinical variables as a region of interest drawn on the display. 16. The method of claim 14 further comprising receiving the selected range for the one or more of the user-selected clinical variables as a numerical input. 17. The method of claim 14 wherein the representation of the listed patients is a scatter plot of data points in the space defined by the one or more axes with each data point representing a patient and having coordinates that correspond to the values of the clinical variables associated with that patient. 18. The method of claim 14 wherein the representation of the list of patients is a histogram plotted against the one or more axes showing the number of patients having associated clinical variable values corresponding to coordinates of the one or more axes. 19. The method of claim 14 wherein the patient data includes values of clinical variables measured at different times and wherein the representation of the list of patients is, fur each such patient, the values of one or more clinical variables associated with that patient plotted against a time axis. 20. The method of claim 14 further comprising filtering the patient data subset in accordance with a user input to display a desired layer of the subset that includes only patients with particular characteristics. | 3,600 |
12,782 | 12,782 | 14,456,113 | 3,696 | A method for providing a wager in a financial market environment is provided that includes presenting an opportunity to make a wager that is based on a moving market line associated with a financial market. An end user is given an opportunity to bet on whether a financial market value will be above or below the moving market line at a designated time. The wager may be accepted from the end user. The wager may be monitored in order to determine whether the financial market value was above or below the moving market line at the designated time. | 1-27. (canceled) 28. An apparatus, comprising:
at least one processor; and at least one memory having instructions stored thereon which, when executed by the at least one processor, direct the at least one processor to:
receive a request for wagering information; and
cause a graphic interface screen to be displayed at a user interface, the graphic interface screen comprising:
at least one betting line having a value correlated to a value of a financial indicator that changes over time and that is displayed on the interface screen during a betting session, in which the at least one betting line comprises a first betting line having a value that is equal to a current value of the financial indicator; and
a first graphic object selectable during the betting session for submitting an up bet request for wagering on the value of the financial indicator achieving a level at a later time that is above the value of the financial indicator at a first time, in which the first graphic object can be selected by a single user multiple different times during the betting session to make a corresponding multiple different wagers on the value of the financial indicator achieving a level at the later time that is above respective different values of the financial indicator at a plurality of different times corresponding to the multiple different times; and
a second graphic object selectable during the betting session for submitting a down bet request for wagering on the value of the financial market indicator achieving a level at the later time that is below the value of the financial indicator at the first time, in which the second graphic object can be selected at a variety of different times during the betting session. 29. The apparatus of claim 28,
in which the at least one betting line comprises a market betting line, the value of the financial indicator for the market betting line corresponding to a market value of a financial market indicator, wherein the first graphic object is selectable for submitting an up bet request for wagering on the market value of the financial market indicator at the later time being above the market value of the financial market indicator at the first time, and wherein the second graphic object is selectable for submitting a down bet request for wagering on the market value of the financial market indicator at the later time being below that market value of the financial market indicator at the first time. 30. The apparatus of claim 28,
in which the at least one betting line comprises a high line, the high line value corresponding to an amount above the value of the financial indicator, and in which the graphic interface screen further comprises at least one of:
a third graphic object selectable for submitting an up bet request for wagering on the value of the financial indicator at the later time being above the high line value at the first time, and
a fourth graphic object selectable for submitting a down bet request for wagering on the value of the financial indicator at the later time being below the high line value at the first time. 31. The apparatus of claim 28,
wherein the at least one betting line comprises a low line, the low line value corresponding to an amount below the value of the financial indicator, and in which the graphic interface screen further comprises at least one of:
a third graphic object selectable for submitting an up bet request for wagering on the value of the financial indicator at the later time being above the low line value at the first time, and
a fourth graphic object selectable for submitting a down bet request for wagering on the value of the financial indicator at the later time being below the low line value at the first time. 32. The apparatus of claim 28,
wherein the at least one betting line comprises a plurality of spread lines comprising a first spread betting line having a value that corresponds to an amount above the value of the financial indicator and a second spread betting line having a value that corresponds to an amount below the value of the financial indicator, and in which the graphic interface screen further comprises at least one of:
a third graphic object selectable for submitting an up bet request for wagering on the value of the financial indicator at the later time being above the first spread betting line value at the first time, and
a third graphic object selectable for submitting a down bet request wagering on the value of the financial indicator at the later time being below the second spread betting line value at the first time. 33. The apparatus of claim 28,
wherein each of the plurality of the graphic objects are displayed on the interface screen spatially relative to the betting line, in which the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, further direct the at least one processor to:
determine odds for at least one of an up bet and a down bet, the graphic interface displaying at least one of the odds for the up bet and the odds for the down bet, wherein the at least one of the odds for the up bet and the odds for the down bet are superimposed on the graphic object. 34. The apparatus of claim 28, in which the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, further directs the at least one processor to start the betting session, the betting session having a start time and an end time, the value of the financial indicator at the later time determined at the end time of the session, wherein the financial indicator indicates a value of at least one of a security and an index. 35. The apparatus of claim 34,
wherein the betting session has at least one of a thirty-second expiration, a one minute expiration, a five minute expiration, a daily expiration, a weekly expiration, and a quarterly expiration. 36. The apparatus of claim 35,
wherein a trading day for receiving bet requests comprises multiple intraday betting sessions each having an intraday expiration, in which the first graphic object is selectable during multiple intraday betting sessions for submitting an up bet request for wagering on the value of the financial indicator achieving a level at a later time that is above the value of the financial indicator at a first time of a respective betting session, in which the first graphic object can be selected by a single user multiple different times during each betting session to make a corresponding multiple different wagers on the value of the financial indicator achieving a level at the later time that is above respective different values of the financial indicator at a plurality of different times corresponding to the multiple different times during each betting session; and a second graphic object selectable during multiple intraday betting sessions for submitting a down bet request for wagering on the value of the financial market indicator achieving a level at the later time that is below the value of the financial indicator at the first time of the respective betting session, in which the second graphic object can be selected at a variety of different times during each betting session. 37. The apparatus of claim 34,
in which the graphic screen further comprises a betting line having a static value that remains unchanged for the betting session, the value of the financial indicator at the first time being equal to a value of the financial indicator at the start time of the betting session, in which the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, further directs the at least one processor to determine odds for at least one of an up bet and a down bet based at least on the value of the financial indicator at a time after the first time, and in which the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, further direct the at least one processor to:
receive a bet request having odds determined at the time of the bet request. 38. The apparatus of claim 37, wherein the graphic interface comprises at least one of the odds for the up bet and the odds for the down bet,
in which the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, further directs the at least one processor to refresh at least one of the up bet odds and the down bet odds automatically to reflect movement in the value of the financial indicator during the betting session. 39. The apparatus of claim 34, in which the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, further direct the at least one processor to determine odds for at least one of the up bet and the down bet,
in which the odds remain unchanged for the betting session, and in which the interface screen comprising a symbol indicating at least one of an upward and a downward movement in the value of the financial indicator. 40. The apparatus of claim 34, wherein the interface screen comprises:
a plurality of betting lines comprising at least one of:
a high line having a value corresponding to an amount above the value of the financial indicator at the first time, and
a low line having a value corresponding to an amount below the value of the financial indicator at the first time; and
a plurality of graphic objects selectable for submitting at least one of an up bet request and a down bet request for each of the betting lines, in which the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, further directs the at least one processor to:
determine odds for at least one of an up bet and a down bet for each of the betting lines, the odds remaining unchanged for the betting session; and
determine at least one of the high line value and the low line value at a second time to reflect movement in the value of the financial indicator at the second time. 41. The apparatus of claim 40,
in which the reference betting line and at least one of the high line and the low line are displayed in the interface screen spatially a first distance from each other at the first time and a second distance from each other at the second time, the first distance and the second distance narrowing based at least on remaining time in the betting session, wherein the at least one of the high line value and the low line value are refreshed to reflect real-time movement in the value of the financial indicator during the betting session, and in which the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, further direct the at least one processor to:
receive a bet request for wagering on the value of the financial indicator at the later time being above or below the value of the financial indicator at the time of the bet request. 42. The apparatus of claim 34, wherein the interface screen comprises:
a plurality of betting lines comprising:
a reference betting line having a value corresponding to the value of the financial indicator at the first time,
a first spread betting line having a value corresponding to an amount above the value of the financial indicator at the first time, and
a second spread betting line having a value corresponding to an amount below the value of the financial indicator at the first time; and
a plurality of graphic objects selectable for submitting at least one of an up bet request for wagering on the value of the financial indicator at the later time being above the first spread betting line value and a down bet request for wagering on the value of the financial indicator at the later time being below the second spread betting line value, in which the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, further directs the at least one processor to:
determine odds for at least one of an up bet and a down bet for each of the betting lines, the odds remaining even during the betting session; and
determine at least one of the first spread betting line value and the second spread betting line value at a second time to reflect movement in the value of the financial indicator at the second time,
wherein the financial indicator corresponds to a market price of a trading product associated with the financial indicator. 43. A method comprising:
receiving, by at least one processor of at least one computer, a request for wagering information; and causing a graphic interface screen in electronic communication with the at least one processor to be displayed at a user interface, the graphic interface screen comprising:
at least one betting line having a value correlated to a value of a financial indicator that changes over time and that is displayed on the interface screen during a betting session, in which the at least one betting line comprises a first betting line having a value that is equal to a current value of the financial indicator; and
a first graphic object selectable during the betting session for submitting an up bet request for wagering on the value of the financial indicator achieving a level at a later time that is above the value of the financial indicator at a first time, in which the first graphic object can be selected by a single user multiple different times during the betting session to make a corresponding multiple different wagers on the value of the financial indicator achieving a level at the later time that is above respective different values of the financial indicator at a plurality of different times corresponding to the multiple different times; and
a second graphic object selectable during the betting session for submitting a down bet request for wagering on the value of the financial market indicator achieving a level at the later time that is below the value of the financial indicator at the first time, in which the second graphic object can be selected at a variety of different times during the betting session. 44. The method of claim 43,
in which the at least one betting line comprises a market betting line, the value of the financial indicator for the market betting line corresponding to a market value of a financial market indicator, wherein the first graphic object is selectable for submitting an up bet request for wagering on the market value of the financial market indicator at the later time being above the market value of the financial market indicator at the first time, and wherein the second graphic object is selectable for submitting a down bet request for wagering on the market value of the financial market indicator at the later time being below that market value of the financial market indicator at the first time. 45. The method of claim 43,
in which the at least one betting line comprises a high line, the high line value corresponding to an amount above the value of the financial indicator, and in which the graphic interface screen further comprises at least one of:
a third graphic object selectable for submitting an up bet request for wagering on the value of the financial indicator at the later time being above the high line value at the first time, and
a fourth graphic object selectable for submitting a down bet request for wagering on the value of the financial indicator at the later time being below the high line value at the first time. 46. The method of claim 43, further comprising:
starting the betting session at a start time and concluding the betting session at an end time, the value of the financial indicator at the later time determined at the end time of the session, wherein the financial indicator indicates a value of at least one of a security and an index, wherein the betting session has at least one of a thirty-second expiration, a one minute expiration, a five minute expiration, a daily expiration, a weekly expiration, and a quarterly expiration, wherein a trading day for receiving bet requests comprises multiple intraday betting sessions each having an intraday expiration, in which the first graphic object is selectable during the multiple intraday betting sessions for submitting an up bet request for wagering on the value of the financial indicator achieving a level at a later time that is above the value of the financial indicator at a first time of a respective betting session, in which the first graphic object can be selected by a single user multiple different times during each betting session to make a corresponding multiple different wagers on the value of the financial indicator achieving a level at the later time that is above respective different values of the financial indicator at a plurality of different times corresponding to the multiple different times during each betting session; and a second graphic object selectable during the multiple intraday betting sessions for submitting a down bet request for wagering on the value of the financial market indicator achieving a level at the later time that is below the value of the financial indicator at the first time of the respective betting session, in which the second graphic object can be selected at a variety of different times during each betting session. wherein the at least one betting line comprises a low line, the low line value corresponding to an amount below the value of the financial indicator, and in which the graphic interface screen further comprises at least one of:
a third graphic object selectable for submitting an up bet request for wagering on the value of the financial indicator at the later time being above the low line value at the first time, and
a fourth graphic object selectable for submitting a down bet request for wagering on the value of the financial indicator at the later time being below the low line value at the first time,
wherein the at least one betting line comprises a plurality of spread lines comprising a first spread betting line having a value that corresponds to an amount above the value of the financial indicator and a second spread betting line having a value that corresponds to an amount below the value of the financial indicator, and in which the graphic interface screen further comprises at least one of:
a third graphic object selectable for submitting an up bet request for wagering on the value of the financial indicator at the later time being above the first spread betting line value at the first time, and
a third graphic object selectable for submitting a down bet request wagering on the value of the financial indicator at the later time being below the second spread betting line value at the first time. 47. An apparatus comprising:
means for receiving a request for wagering information; and means for causing a graphic interface screen to be displayed at a user interface, the graphic interface screen comprising:
at least one betting line having a value correlated to a value of a financial indicator that changes over time and that is displayed on the interface screen during a betting session, in which the at least one betting line comprises a first betting line having a value that is equal to a current value of the financial indicator; and
a first graphic object selectable during the betting session for submitting an up bet request for wagering on the value of the financial indicator achieving a level at a later time that is above the value of the financial indicator at a first time, in which the first graphic object can be selected by a single user multiple different times during the betting session to make a corresponding multiple different wagers on the value of the financial indicator achieving a level at the later time that is above respective different values of the financial indicator at a plurality of different times corresponding to the multiple different times; and
a second graphic object selectable during the betting session for submitting a down bet request for wagering on the value of the financial market indicator achieving a level at the later time that is below the value of the financial indicator at the first time, in which the second graphic object can be selected at a variety of different times during the betting session. | A method for providing a wager in a financial market environment is provided that includes presenting an opportunity to make a wager that is based on a moving market line associated with a financial market. An end user is given an opportunity to bet on whether a financial market value will be above or below the moving market line at a designated time. The wager may be accepted from the end user. The wager may be monitored in order to determine whether the financial market value was above or below the moving market line at the designated time.1-27. (canceled) 28. An apparatus, comprising:
at least one processor; and at least one memory having instructions stored thereon which, when executed by the at least one processor, direct the at least one processor to:
receive a request for wagering information; and
cause a graphic interface screen to be displayed at a user interface, the graphic interface screen comprising:
at least one betting line having a value correlated to a value of a financial indicator that changes over time and that is displayed on the interface screen during a betting session, in which the at least one betting line comprises a first betting line having a value that is equal to a current value of the financial indicator; and
a first graphic object selectable during the betting session for submitting an up bet request for wagering on the value of the financial indicator achieving a level at a later time that is above the value of the financial indicator at a first time, in which the first graphic object can be selected by a single user multiple different times during the betting session to make a corresponding multiple different wagers on the value of the financial indicator achieving a level at the later time that is above respective different values of the financial indicator at a plurality of different times corresponding to the multiple different times; and
a second graphic object selectable during the betting session for submitting a down bet request for wagering on the value of the financial market indicator achieving a level at the later time that is below the value of the financial indicator at the first time, in which the second graphic object can be selected at a variety of different times during the betting session. 29. The apparatus of claim 28,
in which the at least one betting line comprises a market betting line, the value of the financial indicator for the market betting line corresponding to a market value of a financial market indicator, wherein the first graphic object is selectable for submitting an up bet request for wagering on the market value of the financial market indicator at the later time being above the market value of the financial market indicator at the first time, and wherein the second graphic object is selectable for submitting a down bet request for wagering on the market value of the financial market indicator at the later time being below that market value of the financial market indicator at the first time. 30. The apparatus of claim 28,
in which the at least one betting line comprises a high line, the high line value corresponding to an amount above the value of the financial indicator, and in which the graphic interface screen further comprises at least one of:
a third graphic object selectable for submitting an up bet request for wagering on the value of the financial indicator at the later time being above the high line value at the first time, and
a fourth graphic object selectable for submitting a down bet request for wagering on the value of the financial indicator at the later time being below the high line value at the first time. 31. The apparatus of claim 28,
wherein the at least one betting line comprises a low line, the low line value corresponding to an amount below the value of the financial indicator, and in which the graphic interface screen further comprises at least one of:
a third graphic object selectable for submitting an up bet request for wagering on the value of the financial indicator at the later time being above the low line value at the first time, and
a fourth graphic object selectable for submitting a down bet request for wagering on the value of the financial indicator at the later time being below the low line value at the first time. 32. The apparatus of claim 28,
wherein the at least one betting line comprises a plurality of spread lines comprising a first spread betting line having a value that corresponds to an amount above the value of the financial indicator and a second spread betting line having a value that corresponds to an amount below the value of the financial indicator, and in which the graphic interface screen further comprises at least one of:
a third graphic object selectable for submitting an up bet request for wagering on the value of the financial indicator at the later time being above the first spread betting line value at the first time, and
a third graphic object selectable for submitting a down bet request wagering on the value of the financial indicator at the later time being below the second spread betting line value at the first time. 33. The apparatus of claim 28,
wherein each of the plurality of the graphic objects are displayed on the interface screen spatially relative to the betting line, in which the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, further direct the at least one processor to:
determine odds for at least one of an up bet and a down bet, the graphic interface displaying at least one of the odds for the up bet and the odds for the down bet, wherein the at least one of the odds for the up bet and the odds for the down bet are superimposed on the graphic object. 34. The apparatus of claim 28, in which the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, further directs the at least one processor to start the betting session, the betting session having a start time and an end time, the value of the financial indicator at the later time determined at the end time of the session, wherein the financial indicator indicates a value of at least one of a security and an index. 35. The apparatus of claim 34,
wherein the betting session has at least one of a thirty-second expiration, a one minute expiration, a five minute expiration, a daily expiration, a weekly expiration, and a quarterly expiration. 36. The apparatus of claim 35,
wherein a trading day for receiving bet requests comprises multiple intraday betting sessions each having an intraday expiration, in which the first graphic object is selectable during multiple intraday betting sessions for submitting an up bet request for wagering on the value of the financial indicator achieving a level at a later time that is above the value of the financial indicator at a first time of a respective betting session, in which the first graphic object can be selected by a single user multiple different times during each betting session to make a corresponding multiple different wagers on the value of the financial indicator achieving a level at the later time that is above respective different values of the financial indicator at a plurality of different times corresponding to the multiple different times during each betting session; and a second graphic object selectable during multiple intraday betting sessions for submitting a down bet request for wagering on the value of the financial market indicator achieving a level at the later time that is below the value of the financial indicator at the first time of the respective betting session, in which the second graphic object can be selected at a variety of different times during each betting session. 37. The apparatus of claim 34,
in which the graphic screen further comprises a betting line having a static value that remains unchanged for the betting session, the value of the financial indicator at the first time being equal to a value of the financial indicator at the start time of the betting session, in which the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, further directs the at least one processor to determine odds for at least one of an up bet and a down bet based at least on the value of the financial indicator at a time after the first time, and in which the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, further direct the at least one processor to:
receive a bet request having odds determined at the time of the bet request. 38. The apparatus of claim 37, wherein the graphic interface comprises at least one of the odds for the up bet and the odds for the down bet,
in which the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, further directs the at least one processor to refresh at least one of the up bet odds and the down bet odds automatically to reflect movement in the value of the financial indicator during the betting session. 39. The apparatus of claim 34, in which the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, further direct the at least one processor to determine odds for at least one of the up bet and the down bet,
in which the odds remain unchanged for the betting session, and in which the interface screen comprising a symbol indicating at least one of an upward and a downward movement in the value of the financial indicator. 40. The apparatus of claim 34, wherein the interface screen comprises:
a plurality of betting lines comprising at least one of:
a high line having a value corresponding to an amount above the value of the financial indicator at the first time, and
a low line having a value corresponding to an amount below the value of the financial indicator at the first time; and
a plurality of graphic objects selectable for submitting at least one of an up bet request and a down bet request for each of the betting lines, in which the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, further directs the at least one processor to:
determine odds for at least one of an up bet and a down bet for each of the betting lines, the odds remaining unchanged for the betting session; and
determine at least one of the high line value and the low line value at a second time to reflect movement in the value of the financial indicator at the second time. 41. The apparatus of claim 40,
in which the reference betting line and at least one of the high line and the low line are displayed in the interface screen spatially a first distance from each other at the first time and a second distance from each other at the second time, the first distance and the second distance narrowing based at least on remaining time in the betting session, wherein the at least one of the high line value and the low line value are refreshed to reflect real-time movement in the value of the financial indicator during the betting session, and in which the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, further direct the at least one processor to:
receive a bet request for wagering on the value of the financial indicator at the later time being above or below the value of the financial indicator at the time of the bet request. 42. The apparatus of claim 34, wherein the interface screen comprises:
a plurality of betting lines comprising:
a reference betting line having a value corresponding to the value of the financial indicator at the first time,
a first spread betting line having a value corresponding to an amount above the value of the financial indicator at the first time, and
a second spread betting line having a value corresponding to an amount below the value of the financial indicator at the first time; and
a plurality of graphic objects selectable for submitting at least one of an up bet request for wagering on the value of the financial indicator at the later time being above the first spread betting line value and a down bet request for wagering on the value of the financial indicator at the later time being below the second spread betting line value, in which the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, further directs the at least one processor to:
determine odds for at least one of an up bet and a down bet for each of the betting lines, the odds remaining even during the betting session; and
determine at least one of the first spread betting line value and the second spread betting line value at a second time to reflect movement in the value of the financial indicator at the second time,
wherein the financial indicator corresponds to a market price of a trading product associated with the financial indicator. 43. A method comprising:
receiving, by at least one processor of at least one computer, a request for wagering information; and causing a graphic interface screen in electronic communication with the at least one processor to be displayed at a user interface, the graphic interface screen comprising:
at least one betting line having a value correlated to a value of a financial indicator that changes over time and that is displayed on the interface screen during a betting session, in which the at least one betting line comprises a first betting line having a value that is equal to a current value of the financial indicator; and
a first graphic object selectable during the betting session for submitting an up bet request for wagering on the value of the financial indicator achieving a level at a later time that is above the value of the financial indicator at a first time, in which the first graphic object can be selected by a single user multiple different times during the betting session to make a corresponding multiple different wagers on the value of the financial indicator achieving a level at the later time that is above respective different values of the financial indicator at a plurality of different times corresponding to the multiple different times; and
a second graphic object selectable during the betting session for submitting a down bet request for wagering on the value of the financial market indicator achieving a level at the later time that is below the value of the financial indicator at the first time, in which the second graphic object can be selected at a variety of different times during the betting session. 44. The method of claim 43,
in which the at least one betting line comprises a market betting line, the value of the financial indicator for the market betting line corresponding to a market value of a financial market indicator, wherein the first graphic object is selectable for submitting an up bet request for wagering on the market value of the financial market indicator at the later time being above the market value of the financial market indicator at the first time, and wherein the second graphic object is selectable for submitting a down bet request for wagering on the market value of the financial market indicator at the later time being below that market value of the financial market indicator at the first time. 45. The method of claim 43,
in which the at least one betting line comprises a high line, the high line value corresponding to an amount above the value of the financial indicator, and in which the graphic interface screen further comprises at least one of:
a third graphic object selectable for submitting an up bet request for wagering on the value of the financial indicator at the later time being above the high line value at the first time, and
a fourth graphic object selectable for submitting a down bet request for wagering on the value of the financial indicator at the later time being below the high line value at the first time. 46. The method of claim 43, further comprising:
starting the betting session at a start time and concluding the betting session at an end time, the value of the financial indicator at the later time determined at the end time of the session, wherein the financial indicator indicates a value of at least one of a security and an index, wherein the betting session has at least one of a thirty-second expiration, a one minute expiration, a five minute expiration, a daily expiration, a weekly expiration, and a quarterly expiration, wherein a trading day for receiving bet requests comprises multiple intraday betting sessions each having an intraday expiration, in which the first graphic object is selectable during the multiple intraday betting sessions for submitting an up bet request for wagering on the value of the financial indicator achieving a level at a later time that is above the value of the financial indicator at a first time of a respective betting session, in which the first graphic object can be selected by a single user multiple different times during each betting session to make a corresponding multiple different wagers on the value of the financial indicator achieving a level at the later time that is above respective different values of the financial indicator at a plurality of different times corresponding to the multiple different times during each betting session; and a second graphic object selectable during the multiple intraday betting sessions for submitting a down bet request for wagering on the value of the financial market indicator achieving a level at the later time that is below the value of the financial indicator at the first time of the respective betting session, in which the second graphic object can be selected at a variety of different times during each betting session. wherein the at least one betting line comprises a low line, the low line value corresponding to an amount below the value of the financial indicator, and in which the graphic interface screen further comprises at least one of:
a third graphic object selectable for submitting an up bet request for wagering on the value of the financial indicator at the later time being above the low line value at the first time, and
a fourth graphic object selectable for submitting a down bet request for wagering on the value of the financial indicator at the later time being below the low line value at the first time,
wherein the at least one betting line comprises a plurality of spread lines comprising a first spread betting line having a value that corresponds to an amount above the value of the financial indicator and a second spread betting line having a value that corresponds to an amount below the value of the financial indicator, and in which the graphic interface screen further comprises at least one of:
a third graphic object selectable for submitting an up bet request for wagering on the value of the financial indicator at the later time being above the first spread betting line value at the first time, and
a third graphic object selectable for submitting a down bet request wagering on the value of the financial indicator at the later time being below the second spread betting line value at the first time. 47. An apparatus comprising:
means for receiving a request for wagering information; and means for causing a graphic interface screen to be displayed at a user interface, the graphic interface screen comprising:
at least one betting line having a value correlated to a value of a financial indicator that changes over time and that is displayed on the interface screen during a betting session, in which the at least one betting line comprises a first betting line having a value that is equal to a current value of the financial indicator; and
a first graphic object selectable during the betting session for submitting an up bet request for wagering on the value of the financial indicator achieving a level at a later time that is above the value of the financial indicator at a first time, in which the first graphic object can be selected by a single user multiple different times during the betting session to make a corresponding multiple different wagers on the value of the financial indicator achieving a level at the later time that is above respective different values of the financial indicator at a plurality of different times corresponding to the multiple different times; and
a second graphic object selectable during the betting session for submitting a down bet request for wagering on the value of the financial market indicator achieving a level at the later time that is below the value of the financial indicator at the first time, in which the second graphic object can be selected at a variety of different times during the betting session. | 3,600 |
12,783 | 12,783 | 13,586,774 | 3,683 | A computerized method for providing a service is described. The method may instantiate an instance of a process object. The process object may be configured to manage two or more business process objects of one or more backend systems to provide the service. The service may be performed utilizing the process object. | 1. A computerized method for providing a service, the method comprising:
instantiating an instance of a process object, wherein the process object is configured to manage two or more business process objects of one or more backend systems to provide the service; and performing the service utilizing the process object. 2. The method of claim 1, further comprising obtaining a service request from one or more of a service application and a background process. 3. The method of claim 1, wherein said process object is configured to check one or more nodes of one or more of said business process objects based on one or more business rules. 4. The method of claim 1, wherein said process object is identified by a process object type and configured, to perform one or more services corresponding to said process object type. 5. The method of claim 1, further comprising instantiating one or more process object nodes comprising a representation of one or more objects of said one or more backend systems. 6. The method of claim 1, further comprising aggregating two or more services Provided by said one or more backend systems into a compound service. 7. The method of claim 1, wherein said process object, comprises one or more process object nodes, wherein each process object node comprises a representation of one or more data elements of one or more of said one or more backend systems. 8. The method of claim 7, wherein said one or more represented data elements represent a subset of data dements maintained by an object of one of said one or more backend systems. 9. The method of claim 1, wherein said managing step comprises managing an order of a sequence of processes performed by said one or more backend systems. 10. The method of claim 1, wherein said instantiated process object is configured to initially interface with a first application to process said service and is configured to transition to interface with a second application to continue processing said service. 11. The method of claim 1, wherein said instantiated process object resides in a process object layer,, wherein said process object layer is located between an application layer and a services platform layer. 12. The method of claim 1, further comprising accessing one or more business rules to facilitate said performance of said service. 13. The method of claim 1, further comprising persistently storing a state of said process object in a storage element. 14. The method of claim 13, wherein said storage element maintains a history of one or more of one or more states of said process object; one or more activities of said process object; and one or more data elements associated with said process object. 15. The method of claim 13, wherein said storing step is performed in response to one or more of a completion of said service, an identification of an error condition, and a completion of an error handling procedure. 16. The method of claim 1, further comprising:
identifying an error in performing said service; generating an alert comprising an indication of said error; and maintaining said process object during a corresponding error handling procedure. 17. The method of claim 1, wherein said process object is based on a generic process object, wherein said generic process object comprises one or more generic service interfaces and one or more generic operations. 18. The method of claim 1, further comprising compensating for one or more modifications to one or more of said backend systems associated with an aborted service. 19. Apparatus to provide a service, the apparatus comprising;
a processor; memory to store instructions that, when executed by the processor cause the processor to; instantiate an instance of a process object, wherein the process object is configured to manage two or more business process objects of one or more backend systems to provide the service; and perform the service utilizing the process object. 20. A computer-readable medium embodying instructions that, when executed by a processor perform operations comprising:
instantiating an instance of a process object, wherein the process object is configured to manage two or more business process objects of one or more backend systems to provide the service; and performing the service utilizing the process object. | A computerized method for providing a service is described. The method may instantiate an instance of a process object. The process object may be configured to manage two or more business process objects of one or more backend systems to provide the service. The service may be performed utilizing the process object.1. A computerized method for providing a service, the method comprising:
instantiating an instance of a process object, wherein the process object is configured to manage two or more business process objects of one or more backend systems to provide the service; and performing the service utilizing the process object. 2. The method of claim 1, further comprising obtaining a service request from one or more of a service application and a background process. 3. The method of claim 1, wherein said process object is configured to check one or more nodes of one or more of said business process objects based on one or more business rules. 4. The method of claim 1, wherein said process object is identified by a process object type and configured, to perform one or more services corresponding to said process object type. 5. The method of claim 1, further comprising instantiating one or more process object nodes comprising a representation of one or more objects of said one or more backend systems. 6. The method of claim 1, further comprising aggregating two or more services Provided by said one or more backend systems into a compound service. 7. The method of claim 1, wherein said process object, comprises one or more process object nodes, wherein each process object node comprises a representation of one or more data elements of one or more of said one or more backend systems. 8. The method of claim 7, wherein said one or more represented data elements represent a subset of data dements maintained by an object of one of said one or more backend systems. 9. The method of claim 1, wherein said managing step comprises managing an order of a sequence of processes performed by said one or more backend systems. 10. The method of claim 1, wherein said instantiated process object is configured to initially interface with a first application to process said service and is configured to transition to interface with a second application to continue processing said service. 11. The method of claim 1, wherein said instantiated process object resides in a process object layer,, wherein said process object layer is located between an application layer and a services platform layer. 12. The method of claim 1, further comprising accessing one or more business rules to facilitate said performance of said service. 13. The method of claim 1, further comprising persistently storing a state of said process object in a storage element. 14. The method of claim 13, wherein said storage element maintains a history of one or more of one or more states of said process object; one or more activities of said process object; and one or more data elements associated with said process object. 15. The method of claim 13, wherein said storing step is performed in response to one or more of a completion of said service, an identification of an error condition, and a completion of an error handling procedure. 16. The method of claim 1, further comprising:
identifying an error in performing said service; generating an alert comprising an indication of said error; and maintaining said process object during a corresponding error handling procedure. 17. The method of claim 1, wherein said process object is based on a generic process object, wherein said generic process object comprises one or more generic service interfaces and one or more generic operations. 18. The method of claim 1, further comprising compensating for one or more modifications to one or more of said backend systems associated with an aborted service. 19. Apparatus to provide a service, the apparatus comprising;
a processor; memory to store instructions that, when executed by the processor cause the processor to; instantiate an instance of a process object, wherein the process object is configured to manage two or more business process objects of one or more backend systems to provide the service; and perform the service utilizing the process object. 20. A computer-readable medium embodying instructions that, when executed by a processor perform operations comprising:
instantiating an instance of a process object, wherein the process object is configured to manage two or more business process objects of one or more backend systems to provide the service; and performing the service utilizing the process object. | 3,600 |
12,784 | 12,784 | 12,060,951 | 3,683 | A method and system for forming service compositions to provide service components to business processes. Service components independently needed by each business process are identified. At least one of the service components is needed by at least two business processes. At least two different service components are needed by at least one business process. At least two service compositions are specified. Each service composition includes at least one service component. At least one service composition comprises at least two service components. An optimal subset of the service compositions is ascertained, such that the total cost of deploying the service compositions in the optimal subset to provide the service components independently needed by each business process does not exceed the total cost of deploying the service compositions in any other subset of the service compositions to provide the service components independently needed by each business process. | 1. A method for forming service compositions to provide service components to business processes, said method comprising:
identifying at least one service component of a plurality of service components independently needed by each business process of a plurality of business processes, wherein at least one of the service components is needed by at least two business processes of the plurality of business processes, and wherein at least two different service components of the plurality of service components are needed by at least one business process of the plurality of business processes; specifying a plurality of service compositions, wherein each service composition comprises at least one of said service components, and wherein at least one of said service compositions comprises at least two of said service components; and ascertaining an optimal subset of the plurality of service compositions, wherein the total cost of deploying the service compositions in the optimal subset to provide said at least one service component independently needed by each business process does not exceed the total cost of deploying the service compositions in any other subset of the plurality of service compositions to provide said at least one service component independently needed by each business process. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein a B-S pair is defined as a business process (B) of the plurality of business processes paired with a service component (S) of the plurality of service components, and wherein said ascertaining the optimal subset of the plurality of service compositions comprises:
generating, from the identified at least one service component independently needed by each business process, a set of B-S pairs consisting of all B-S pairs in which a business process is paired with a service component independently needed by the business process; creating a set of service compositions comprising service compositions linked to the plurality of business processes, wherein the set of service compositions masks the set of B-S pairs, and wherein a benefit/cost ratio of a service composition is defined as the ratio of the number of B-S pairs masked by the service composition to the cost of deploying the service composition to provide the service components in the service composition to all of the business processes in the B-S pairs masked by the service composition; after said creating, determining a best service composition of the set of service compositions such that the best service composition has a benefit/cost ratio no less than the benefit/cost ratio of all other service compositions of the set of service compositions; removing: (1) the B-S pairs masked by the best service composition of the set of service compositions from the set of B-S pairs; and (2) the best service composition from the set of service compositions; if after said removing, the set of B-S pairs is not empty: then iteratively performing both said determining the best service composition and said removing, until the set of B-S pairs is empty; and responsive to the set of B-S pairs being empty, identifying the optimal subset of the plurality of service compositions as consisting of the removed best service compositions. 3. The method of claim 1, wherein a first service composition of the plurality of service compositions is linked to at least two business process of the plurality of business processes, and wherein the total cost of deploying the first service composition is the same for each business process of the at least two business processes. 4. The method of claim 1, wherein a first service composition of the plurality of service compositions is linked to a first and second business process of the plurality of business processes, and wherein the total cost of deploying the first service composition differs for the first and second business processes. 5. The method of claim 1, wherein the cost of deploying a service composition to provide the service components in the service composition to a business process linked to the service composition is a service composition cost of the service composition with respect to the business process, and wherein the service composition cost of the service composition with respect to the business process is the sum over an individual cost of each service component in the service composition plus a composition-specific cost with respect to the business process, wherein the individual cost with respect to the business process is service composition independent, and wherein the composition-specific cost with respect to the business process is specific to the service composition. 6. The method of claim 1, wherein a first service composition of the plurality of service compositions is linked to at least two business processes of the plurality of business processes, and wherein the service composition cost of the first service composition with respect to each business process of the at least two business processes comprises a same service composition cost with respect to each business process of the at least two business processes. 7. The method of claim 1, wherein a first service composition of the plurality of service compositions is linked to at least two business processes of the plurality of business processes, and wherein the service composition cost of the first service composition with respect to a first business process and a second business process of the at least two business processes comprises a different service composition cost with respect to said first and second business processes. 8. The method of claim 1, wherein a first service composition and a second service composition of the plurality of service compositions are mutually exclusive, wherein a third service composition of the plurality of service compositions consists of a union of the first service composition and the second service composition, and wherein the service composition cost of the third service composition with respect to a first business process of the plurality of business processes is less than the sum of the service composition cost of the first service composition with respect to the first business process and the service composition cost of the second service composition with respect to the first business process. 9. The method of claim 1, wherein a first service composition and a second service composition of the plurality of service compositions are mutually exclusive, wherein a third service composition of the plurality of service compositions consists of a union of the first service composition and the second service composition, and wherein the service composition cost of the third service composition with respect to a first business process of the plurality of business processes is greater than the sum of the service composition cost of the first service composition with respect to the first business process and the service composition cost of the second service composition with respect to the first business process. 10. The method of claim 1, wherein the identified at least one service component of the plurality of service components independently needed by each business process of the plurality of business processes is characterized by each service component of the plurality of service components being needed by each business process of the plurality of business processes. 11. The method of claim 1, wherein the identified at least one service component of the plurality of service components independently needed by each business process of the plurality of business processes is characterized by at least one service component of the plurality of service components not being needed by at least one business process of the plurality of business processes. 12. The method of claim 1, wherein the plurality of business processes is under control or management of a single business entity. 13. The method of claim 1, wherein the plurality of business processes is under control or management of a plurality of business entities. 14. A method for providing service compositions to business processes to provide service components to the business process, said method comprising:
performing said identifying, specifying, and ascertaining of the method of claim 1 to ascertain said optimal subset of the plurality of service compositions; and providing to the plurality of business processes, via deployment of the optimal subset of the plurality of service compositions, said at least one service component of the plurality of service components independently needed by each business process of the plurality of business processes. 15. The method of claim 14, wherein said providing the plurality of business processes to said at least one service component is performed by a single service provider. 16. The method of claim 14, wherein said providing the plurality of business processes to said at least one service component is performed by a plurality of service providers. 17. A computer program product, comprising a computer usable medium having a computer readable program code embodied therein, said computer readable program code containing instructions that when executed by a processor of a computer system implement a method for forming service compositions to provide service components to business processes, said method comprising:
identifying at least one service component of a plurality of service components independently needed by each business process of a plurality of business processes, wherein at least one of the service components is needed by at least two business processes of the plurality of business processes, and wherein at least two different service components of the plurality of service components are needed by at least one business process of the plurality of business processes; specifying a plurality of service compositions, wherein each service composition comprises at least one of said service components, and wherein at least one of said service compositions comprises at least two of said service components; and ascertaining an optimal subset of the plurality of service compositions, wherein the total cost of deploying the service compositions in the optimal subset to provide said at least one service component independently needed by each business process does not exceed the total cost of deploying the service compositions in any other subset of the plurality of service compositions to provide said at least one service component independently needed by each business process. 18. The computer program product of claim 17, wherein a B-S pair is defined as a business process (B) of the plurality of business processes paired with a service component (S) of the plurality of service components, and wherein said ascertaining the optimal subset of the plurality of service compositions comprises:
generating, from the identified at least one service component independently needed by each business process, a set of B-S pairs consisting of all B-S pairs in which a business process is paired with a service component independently needed by the business process; creating a set of service compositions comprising service compositions linked to the plurality of business processes, wherein the set of service compositions masks the set of B-S pairs, and wherein a benefit/cost ratio of a service composition is defined as the ratio of the number of B-S pairs masked by the service composition to the cost of deploying the service composition to provide the service components in the service composition to all of the business processes in the B-S pairs masked by the service composition; after said creating, determining a best service composition of the set of service compositions such that the best service composition has a benefit/cost ratio no less than the benefit/cost ratio of all other service compositions of the set of service compositions; removing: (1) the B-S pairs masked by the best service composition of the set of service compositions from the set of B-S pairs; and (2) the best service composition from the set of service compositions; if after said removing, the set of B-S pairs is not empty: then iteratively performing both said determining the best service composition and said removing, until the set of B-S pairs is empty; and responsive to the set of B-S pairs being empty, identifying the optimal subset of the plurality of service compositions as consisting of the removed best service compositions. 19. A computer system comprising a processor and a computer readable memory unit coupled to the processor, said memory unit containing instructions that when executed by the processor implement a method for forming service compositions to provide service components to business processes, said method comprising:
identifying at least one service component of a plurality of service components independently needed by each business process of a plurality of business processes, wherein at least one of the service components is needed by at least two business processes of the plurality of business processes, and wherein at least two different service components of the plurality of service components are needed by at least one business process of the plurality of business processes; specifying a plurality of service compositions, wherein each service composition comprises at least one of said service components, and wherein at least one of said service compositions comprises at least two of said service components; and ascertaining an optimal subset of the plurality of service compositions, wherein the total cost of deploying the service compositions in the optimal subset to provide said at least one service component independently needed by each business process does not exceed the total cost of deploying the service compositions in any other subset of the plurality of service compositions to provide said at least one service component independently needed by each business process. 20. The computer system of claim 19, wherein a B-S pair is defined as a business process (B) of the plurality of business processes paired with a service component (S) of the plurality of service components, and wherein said ascertaining the optimal subset of the plurality of service compositions comprises:
generating, from the identified at least one service component independently needed by each business process, a set of B-S pairs consisting of all B-S pairs in which a business process is paired with a service component independently needed by the business process; creating a set of service compositions comprising service compositions linked to the plurality of business processes, wherein the set of service compositions masks the set of B-S pairs, and wherein a benefit/cost ratio of a service composition is defined as the ratio of the number of B-S pairs masked by the service composition to the cost of deploying the service composition to provide the service components in the service composition to all of the business processes in the B-S pairs masked by the service composition; after said creating, determining a best service composition of the set of service compositions such that the best service composition has a benefit/cost ratio no less than the benefit/cost ratio of all other service compositions of the set of service compositions; removing: (1) the B-S pairs masked by the best service composition of the set of service compositions from the set of B-S pairs; and (2) the best service composition from the set of service compositions; if after said removing, the set of B-S pairs is not empty: then iteratively performing both said determining the best service composition and said removing, until the set of B-S pairs is empty; and responsive to the set of B-S pairs being empty, identifying the optimal subset of the plurality of service compositions as consisting of the removed best service compositions. 21. A method of forming service compositions to provide service components of a plurality of service components to business processes of a plurality of business processes via a plurality of service compositions such that each service composition comprises at least one of said service components, said method comprising:
providing a service delivery graph having business process nodes representing the respective business processes, service component nodes representing the respective service components, service composition nodes representing the respective service compositions, service composition edges, and business process edges, wherein each service composition edge connects one of the service composition nodes with one of the service component nodes such that the service composition represented by said one of the service composition nodes comprises the service component represented by said one of the service component nodes, wherein each business process edge connects one of the business process nodes with one of the service composition edges, wherein each contiguous path from a business process node B to a service composition node C (along a business process edge) to a service component node S (along a service composition edge) denotes that the business process represented by B needs the service component represented by S, wherein the service composition edges collectively identify the service compositions, and wherein the contiguous paths collectively identify the service components independently needed by each business process; and executing an algorithm by a processor to ascertain an optimal subset of the plurality of service compositions in the service delivery graph, wherein the optimal subset provides the service components independently needed by each business process in the service delivery graph, and wherein the total cost of deploying the service compositions to provide the service components independently needed by each business process does not exceed the total cost of deploying the service compositions in any other subset of the plurality of service compositions that would provide the service components independently needed by each business process. 22. The method of claim 21, wherein said executing comprises executing a greedy heursitic algorithm by the processor to ascertain the optimal subset of the plurality of service compositions. 23. The method of claim 21, wherein the method further comprises:
providing a business needs graph having the business process nodes, the service component nodes, and the business process edges, wherein each business process edge connects one of the business process nodes B with one the service component nodes S such that the business process represented by B needs the service component represented by S; providing a service composition graph having the service composition nodes, the service component nodes, and the service composition edges, wherein each service composition edge connects one of the service composition nodes C with one of the service component nodes S such that the service composition denoted by C comprises the service component represented by S; wherein said providing the service delivery graph comprises generating the service delivery graph via utilization of the business needs graph and the service composition graph. | A method and system for forming service compositions to provide service components to business processes. Service components independently needed by each business process are identified. At least one of the service components is needed by at least two business processes. At least two different service components are needed by at least one business process. At least two service compositions are specified. Each service composition includes at least one service component. At least one service composition comprises at least two service components. An optimal subset of the service compositions is ascertained, such that the total cost of deploying the service compositions in the optimal subset to provide the service components independently needed by each business process does not exceed the total cost of deploying the service compositions in any other subset of the service compositions to provide the service components independently needed by each business process.1. A method for forming service compositions to provide service components to business processes, said method comprising:
identifying at least one service component of a plurality of service components independently needed by each business process of a plurality of business processes, wherein at least one of the service components is needed by at least two business processes of the plurality of business processes, and wherein at least two different service components of the plurality of service components are needed by at least one business process of the plurality of business processes; specifying a plurality of service compositions, wherein each service composition comprises at least one of said service components, and wherein at least one of said service compositions comprises at least two of said service components; and ascertaining an optimal subset of the plurality of service compositions, wherein the total cost of deploying the service compositions in the optimal subset to provide said at least one service component independently needed by each business process does not exceed the total cost of deploying the service compositions in any other subset of the plurality of service compositions to provide said at least one service component independently needed by each business process. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein a B-S pair is defined as a business process (B) of the plurality of business processes paired with a service component (S) of the plurality of service components, and wherein said ascertaining the optimal subset of the plurality of service compositions comprises:
generating, from the identified at least one service component independently needed by each business process, a set of B-S pairs consisting of all B-S pairs in which a business process is paired with a service component independently needed by the business process; creating a set of service compositions comprising service compositions linked to the plurality of business processes, wherein the set of service compositions masks the set of B-S pairs, and wherein a benefit/cost ratio of a service composition is defined as the ratio of the number of B-S pairs masked by the service composition to the cost of deploying the service composition to provide the service components in the service composition to all of the business processes in the B-S pairs masked by the service composition; after said creating, determining a best service composition of the set of service compositions such that the best service composition has a benefit/cost ratio no less than the benefit/cost ratio of all other service compositions of the set of service compositions; removing: (1) the B-S pairs masked by the best service composition of the set of service compositions from the set of B-S pairs; and (2) the best service composition from the set of service compositions; if after said removing, the set of B-S pairs is not empty: then iteratively performing both said determining the best service composition and said removing, until the set of B-S pairs is empty; and responsive to the set of B-S pairs being empty, identifying the optimal subset of the plurality of service compositions as consisting of the removed best service compositions. 3. The method of claim 1, wherein a first service composition of the plurality of service compositions is linked to at least two business process of the plurality of business processes, and wherein the total cost of deploying the first service composition is the same for each business process of the at least two business processes. 4. The method of claim 1, wherein a first service composition of the plurality of service compositions is linked to a first and second business process of the plurality of business processes, and wherein the total cost of deploying the first service composition differs for the first and second business processes. 5. The method of claim 1, wherein the cost of deploying a service composition to provide the service components in the service composition to a business process linked to the service composition is a service composition cost of the service composition with respect to the business process, and wherein the service composition cost of the service composition with respect to the business process is the sum over an individual cost of each service component in the service composition plus a composition-specific cost with respect to the business process, wherein the individual cost with respect to the business process is service composition independent, and wherein the composition-specific cost with respect to the business process is specific to the service composition. 6. The method of claim 1, wherein a first service composition of the plurality of service compositions is linked to at least two business processes of the plurality of business processes, and wherein the service composition cost of the first service composition with respect to each business process of the at least two business processes comprises a same service composition cost with respect to each business process of the at least two business processes. 7. The method of claim 1, wherein a first service composition of the plurality of service compositions is linked to at least two business processes of the plurality of business processes, and wherein the service composition cost of the first service composition with respect to a first business process and a second business process of the at least two business processes comprises a different service composition cost with respect to said first and second business processes. 8. The method of claim 1, wherein a first service composition and a second service composition of the plurality of service compositions are mutually exclusive, wherein a third service composition of the plurality of service compositions consists of a union of the first service composition and the second service composition, and wherein the service composition cost of the third service composition with respect to a first business process of the plurality of business processes is less than the sum of the service composition cost of the first service composition with respect to the first business process and the service composition cost of the second service composition with respect to the first business process. 9. The method of claim 1, wherein a first service composition and a second service composition of the plurality of service compositions are mutually exclusive, wherein a third service composition of the plurality of service compositions consists of a union of the first service composition and the second service composition, and wherein the service composition cost of the third service composition with respect to a first business process of the plurality of business processes is greater than the sum of the service composition cost of the first service composition with respect to the first business process and the service composition cost of the second service composition with respect to the first business process. 10. The method of claim 1, wherein the identified at least one service component of the plurality of service components independently needed by each business process of the plurality of business processes is characterized by each service component of the plurality of service components being needed by each business process of the plurality of business processes. 11. The method of claim 1, wherein the identified at least one service component of the plurality of service components independently needed by each business process of the plurality of business processes is characterized by at least one service component of the plurality of service components not being needed by at least one business process of the plurality of business processes. 12. The method of claim 1, wherein the plurality of business processes is under control or management of a single business entity. 13. The method of claim 1, wherein the plurality of business processes is under control or management of a plurality of business entities. 14. A method for providing service compositions to business processes to provide service components to the business process, said method comprising:
performing said identifying, specifying, and ascertaining of the method of claim 1 to ascertain said optimal subset of the plurality of service compositions; and providing to the plurality of business processes, via deployment of the optimal subset of the plurality of service compositions, said at least one service component of the plurality of service components independently needed by each business process of the plurality of business processes. 15. The method of claim 14, wherein said providing the plurality of business processes to said at least one service component is performed by a single service provider. 16. The method of claim 14, wherein said providing the plurality of business processes to said at least one service component is performed by a plurality of service providers. 17. A computer program product, comprising a computer usable medium having a computer readable program code embodied therein, said computer readable program code containing instructions that when executed by a processor of a computer system implement a method for forming service compositions to provide service components to business processes, said method comprising:
identifying at least one service component of a plurality of service components independently needed by each business process of a plurality of business processes, wherein at least one of the service components is needed by at least two business processes of the plurality of business processes, and wherein at least two different service components of the plurality of service components are needed by at least one business process of the plurality of business processes; specifying a plurality of service compositions, wherein each service composition comprises at least one of said service components, and wherein at least one of said service compositions comprises at least two of said service components; and ascertaining an optimal subset of the plurality of service compositions, wherein the total cost of deploying the service compositions in the optimal subset to provide said at least one service component independently needed by each business process does not exceed the total cost of deploying the service compositions in any other subset of the plurality of service compositions to provide said at least one service component independently needed by each business process. 18. The computer program product of claim 17, wherein a B-S pair is defined as a business process (B) of the plurality of business processes paired with a service component (S) of the plurality of service components, and wherein said ascertaining the optimal subset of the plurality of service compositions comprises:
generating, from the identified at least one service component independently needed by each business process, a set of B-S pairs consisting of all B-S pairs in which a business process is paired with a service component independently needed by the business process; creating a set of service compositions comprising service compositions linked to the plurality of business processes, wherein the set of service compositions masks the set of B-S pairs, and wherein a benefit/cost ratio of a service composition is defined as the ratio of the number of B-S pairs masked by the service composition to the cost of deploying the service composition to provide the service components in the service composition to all of the business processes in the B-S pairs masked by the service composition; after said creating, determining a best service composition of the set of service compositions such that the best service composition has a benefit/cost ratio no less than the benefit/cost ratio of all other service compositions of the set of service compositions; removing: (1) the B-S pairs masked by the best service composition of the set of service compositions from the set of B-S pairs; and (2) the best service composition from the set of service compositions; if after said removing, the set of B-S pairs is not empty: then iteratively performing both said determining the best service composition and said removing, until the set of B-S pairs is empty; and responsive to the set of B-S pairs being empty, identifying the optimal subset of the plurality of service compositions as consisting of the removed best service compositions. 19. A computer system comprising a processor and a computer readable memory unit coupled to the processor, said memory unit containing instructions that when executed by the processor implement a method for forming service compositions to provide service components to business processes, said method comprising:
identifying at least one service component of a plurality of service components independently needed by each business process of a plurality of business processes, wherein at least one of the service components is needed by at least two business processes of the plurality of business processes, and wherein at least two different service components of the plurality of service components are needed by at least one business process of the plurality of business processes; specifying a plurality of service compositions, wherein each service composition comprises at least one of said service components, and wherein at least one of said service compositions comprises at least two of said service components; and ascertaining an optimal subset of the plurality of service compositions, wherein the total cost of deploying the service compositions in the optimal subset to provide said at least one service component independently needed by each business process does not exceed the total cost of deploying the service compositions in any other subset of the plurality of service compositions to provide said at least one service component independently needed by each business process. 20. The computer system of claim 19, wherein a B-S pair is defined as a business process (B) of the plurality of business processes paired with a service component (S) of the plurality of service components, and wherein said ascertaining the optimal subset of the plurality of service compositions comprises:
generating, from the identified at least one service component independently needed by each business process, a set of B-S pairs consisting of all B-S pairs in which a business process is paired with a service component independently needed by the business process; creating a set of service compositions comprising service compositions linked to the plurality of business processes, wherein the set of service compositions masks the set of B-S pairs, and wherein a benefit/cost ratio of a service composition is defined as the ratio of the number of B-S pairs masked by the service composition to the cost of deploying the service composition to provide the service components in the service composition to all of the business processes in the B-S pairs masked by the service composition; after said creating, determining a best service composition of the set of service compositions such that the best service composition has a benefit/cost ratio no less than the benefit/cost ratio of all other service compositions of the set of service compositions; removing: (1) the B-S pairs masked by the best service composition of the set of service compositions from the set of B-S pairs; and (2) the best service composition from the set of service compositions; if after said removing, the set of B-S pairs is not empty: then iteratively performing both said determining the best service composition and said removing, until the set of B-S pairs is empty; and responsive to the set of B-S pairs being empty, identifying the optimal subset of the plurality of service compositions as consisting of the removed best service compositions. 21. A method of forming service compositions to provide service components of a plurality of service components to business processes of a plurality of business processes via a plurality of service compositions such that each service composition comprises at least one of said service components, said method comprising:
providing a service delivery graph having business process nodes representing the respective business processes, service component nodes representing the respective service components, service composition nodes representing the respective service compositions, service composition edges, and business process edges, wherein each service composition edge connects one of the service composition nodes with one of the service component nodes such that the service composition represented by said one of the service composition nodes comprises the service component represented by said one of the service component nodes, wherein each business process edge connects one of the business process nodes with one of the service composition edges, wherein each contiguous path from a business process node B to a service composition node C (along a business process edge) to a service component node S (along a service composition edge) denotes that the business process represented by B needs the service component represented by S, wherein the service composition edges collectively identify the service compositions, and wherein the contiguous paths collectively identify the service components independently needed by each business process; and executing an algorithm by a processor to ascertain an optimal subset of the plurality of service compositions in the service delivery graph, wherein the optimal subset provides the service components independently needed by each business process in the service delivery graph, and wherein the total cost of deploying the service compositions to provide the service components independently needed by each business process does not exceed the total cost of deploying the service compositions in any other subset of the plurality of service compositions that would provide the service components independently needed by each business process. 22. The method of claim 21, wherein said executing comprises executing a greedy heursitic algorithm by the processor to ascertain the optimal subset of the plurality of service compositions. 23. The method of claim 21, wherein the method further comprises:
providing a business needs graph having the business process nodes, the service component nodes, and the business process edges, wherein each business process edge connects one of the business process nodes B with one the service component nodes S such that the business process represented by B needs the service component represented by S; providing a service composition graph having the service composition nodes, the service component nodes, and the service composition edges, wherein each service composition edge connects one of the service composition nodes C with one of the service component nodes S such that the service composition denoted by C comprises the service component represented by S; wherein said providing the service delivery graph comprises generating the service delivery graph via utilization of the business needs graph and the service composition graph. | 3,600 |
12,785 | 12,785 | 14,415,528 | 3,676 | Compression set downhole clutch ( 100 ) can include an upper body ( 201 ), a lower body ( 202 ), and a hydraulic member ( 205 ). The upper body ( 201 ) can include at least one engagement surface ( 204 ). The lower body ( 202 ) can include at least one engagement surface ( 203 ). The at least one engagement surface ( 204 ) of the upper body ( 201 ) and the at least one engagement surface ( 203 ) of the lower body ( 202 ) can each be configured to couple with one another and rotate in unison in an engaged configuration ( 102 ). The hydraulic member ( 205 ) can be configured to be responsive to a predetermined pressure; the hydraulic member ( 205 ) can also be configured to disengage the engagement surface ( 204 ) of the upper body ( 201 ) from the engagement surface ( 203 ) of the lower body ( 202 ). | 1-20. (canceled) 21. A compression set downhole clutch comprising:
an upper body comprising at least one engagement surface; a lower body comprising at least one engagement surface; the at least one engagement surface of the upper body and the at least one engagement surface of the lower body are each configured to couple with one another and rotate in unison in an engaged configuration; a hydraulic member configured to be responsive to a predetermined pressure; and the hydraulic member configured to disengage the at least one engagement surface of the upper body from the at least one engagement surface of the lower body in response to experiencing the predetermined pressure. 22. The compression set downhole clutch as recited in claim 21, wherein the hydraulic member comprises a relief valve member which is activated at the predetermined pressure. 23. The compression set downhole clutch as recited in claim 21, wherein the hydraulic member comprises a first relief valve and a second relief valve, the first relief valve having a first pressure setting corresponding to the predetermined pressure and the second relief valve having a second pressure setting that is less than the first pressure setting. 24. The compression set downhole clutch as recited in claim 23, wherein the second pressure setting corresponds to substantially zero gauge pressure. 25. The compression set downhole clutch as recited in claim 23, wherein the hydraulic member further comprises a first hydraulic chamber and a second hydraulic chamber in fluid communication such that fluid is exchanged between the first hydraulic chamber and the second hydraulic chamber when the predetermined pressure is exceeded. 26. The compression set downhole clutch as recited in claim 23, further comprising a first hydraulic chamber and a second hydraulic chamber, wherein the first relief valve and the second relief valve selectively fluidly couple the first hydraulic chamber to the second hydraulic chamber. 27. The compression set downhole clutch as recited in claim 26, wherein the lower body disengages from the upper body in response to the first relief valve opening at the predetermined pressure and allowing fluid to flow into the second hydraulic chamber from the first hydraulic chamber. 28. The compression set downhole clutch as recited in claim 27, wherein the second relief valve is set to allow fluid to flow from the second hydraulic chamber into the first hydraulic chamber in the event that the pressure is less than the first predetermined pressure. 29. The compression set downhole clutch as recited in claim 25, wherein the first hydraulic chamber is located uphole relative to the first relief valve and the second relief valve. 30. The compression set downhole clutch as recited in claim 29, wherein the second hydraulic chamber has a movable seal located downhole relative to the first relief valve and the second relief valve, the movable seal establishing a bottom of the second hydraulic chamber. 31. The compression set downhole clutch as recited in any one of claim 21, further comprising a plunger piston configured to collapse in response to experiencing a compression load, the collapse of the plunger piston causing the at least one engagement surface of the upper body and the at least one engagement surface of the lower body to disengage from one another. 32. The compression set downhole clutch as recited in claim 31, further comprising a thrust bearing coupled with the plunger piston, wherein the thrust bearing is configured to take up a thrust load of a drillstring above the compression set downhole clutch. 33. The compression set downhole clutch as recited in any one of claim 21, wherein each engagement surface of the upper body is located on a spline of the upper body and each engagement surface of the lower body is located on a spline of the lower body. 34. The compression set downhole clutch as recited in claim 33, wherein splines of the upper body comprise a first row and a second row of splines, and splines of the lower body comprise a first row and a second row of splines. 35. The compression set downhole clutch as recited in claim 34, wherein each first row of splines comprises four interference members and each second row of splines comprises four interference members, and wherein each interference member comprises an engagement surface. 36. The compression set downhole clutch as recited in any one of claim 21, further comprising a plunger portion having a shaft extending therefrom in a downhole direction, and an aperture formed in the lower body configured to receive the shaft. 37. The compression set downhole clutch as recited in claim 36, wherein the shaft has an aperture formed therethrough and the aperture formed in the lower body extends through the lower body in an axial direction thereby allowing fluid to flow through the compression set downhole clutch. 38. A method for operating a compression set downhole clutch, the method comprising:
coupling an upper body to a lower body of the compression set downhole clutch by a splined connection that permits reciprocation and prevents rotation between the upper and lower body in an engaged configuration; receiving pressure at a hydraulic member; and disengaging the upper body from the lower body when the received pressure is greater than a predetermined pressure. 39. The method as recited in claim 38, further comprising:
responsive to the received pressure, opening a first relief valve having a first pressure setting corresponding to the predetermined pressure, thereby causing fluid to flow through the valve and causing the lower body to disengage from the upper body. 40. The method as recited in claim 39, further comprising:
closing the first relief valve when gauge pressure at the hydraulic member is substantially zero; allowing fluid to flow through a second relief valve in a direction opposite of the flow of fluid through the first relief valve; and recoupling the upper body to the lower body into the engaged configuration and thereby causing the upper body to rotate in unison with the lower body. | Compression set downhole clutch ( 100 ) can include an upper body ( 201 ), a lower body ( 202 ), and a hydraulic member ( 205 ). The upper body ( 201 ) can include at least one engagement surface ( 204 ). The lower body ( 202 ) can include at least one engagement surface ( 203 ). The at least one engagement surface ( 204 ) of the upper body ( 201 ) and the at least one engagement surface ( 203 ) of the lower body ( 202 ) can each be configured to couple with one another and rotate in unison in an engaged configuration ( 102 ). The hydraulic member ( 205 ) can be configured to be responsive to a predetermined pressure; the hydraulic member ( 205 ) can also be configured to disengage the engagement surface ( 204 ) of the upper body ( 201 ) from the engagement surface ( 203 ) of the lower body ( 202 ).1-20. (canceled) 21. A compression set downhole clutch comprising:
an upper body comprising at least one engagement surface; a lower body comprising at least one engagement surface; the at least one engagement surface of the upper body and the at least one engagement surface of the lower body are each configured to couple with one another and rotate in unison in an engaged configuration; a hydraulic member configured to be responsive to a predetermined pressure; and the hydraulic member configured to disengage the at least one engagement surface of the upper body from the at least one engagement surface of the lower body in response to experiencing the predetermined pressure. 22. The compression set downhole clutch as recited in claim 21, wherein the hydraulic member comprises a relief valve member which is activated at the predetermined pressure. 23. The compression set downhole clutch as recited in claim 21, wherein the hydraulic member comprises a first relief valve and a second relief valve, the first relief valve having a first pressure setting corresponding to the predetermined pressure and the second relief valve having a second pressure setting that is less than the first pressure setting. 24. The compression set downhole clutch as recited in claim 23, wherein the second pressure setting corresponds to substantially zero gauge pressure. 25. The compression set downhole clutch as recited in claim 23, wherein the hydraulic member further comprises a first hydraulic chamber and a second hydraulic chamber in fluid communication such that fluid is exchanged between the first hydraulic chamber and the second hydraulic chamber when the predetermined pressure is exceeded. 26. The compression set downhole clutch as recited in claim 23, further comprising a first hydraulic chamber and a second hydraulic chamber, wherein the first relief valve and the second relief valve selectively fluidly couple the first hydraulic chamber to the second hydraulic chamber. 27. The compression set downhole clutch as recited in claim 26, wherein the lower body disengages from the upper body in response to the first relief valve opening at the predetermined pressure and allowing fluid to flow into the second hydraulic chamber from the first hydraulic chamber. 28. The compression set downhole clutch as recited in claim 27, wherein the second relief valve is set to allow fluid to flow from the second hydraulic chamber into the first hydraulic chamber in the event that the pressure is less than the first predetermined pressure. 29. The compression set downhole clutch as recited in claim 25, wherein the first hydraulic chamber is located uphole relative to the first relief valve and the second relief valve. 30. The compression set downhole clutch as recited in claim 29, wherein the second hydraulic chamber has a movable seal located downhole relative to the first relief valve and the second relief valve, the movable seal establishing a bottom of the second hydraulic chamber. 31. The compression set downhole clutch as recited in any one of claim 21, further comprising a plunger piston configured to collapse in response to experiencing a compression load, the collapse of the plunger piston causing the at least one engagement surface of the upper body and the at least one engagement surface of the lower body to disengage from one another. 32. The compression set downhole clutch as recited in claim 31, further comprising a thrust bearing coupled with the plunger piston, wherein the thrust bearing is configured to take up a thrust load of a drillstring above the compression set downhole clutch. 33. The compression set downhole clutch as recited in any one of claim 21, wherein each engagement surface of the upper body is located on a spline of the upper body and each engagement surface of the lower body is located on a spline of the lower body. 34. The compression set downhole clutch as recited in claim 33, wherein splines of the upper body comprise a first row and a second row of splines, and splines of the lower body comprise a first row and a second row of splines. 35. The compression set downhole clutch as recited in claim 34, wherein each first row of splines comprises four interference members and each second row of splines comprises four interference members, and wherein each interference member comprises an engagement surface. 36. The compression set downhole clutch as recited in any one of claim 21, further comprising a plunger portion having a shaft extending therefrom in a downhole direction, and an aperture formed in the lower body configured to receive the shaft. 37. The compression set downhole clutch as recited in claim 36, wherein the shaft has an aperture formed therethrough and the aperture formed in the lower body extends through the lower body in an axial direction thereby allowing fluid to flow through the compression set downhole clutch. 38. A method for operating a compression set downhole clutch, the method comprising:
coupling an upper body to a lower body of the compression set downhole clutch by a splined connection that permits reciprocation and prevents rotation between the upper and lower body in an engaged configuration; receiving pressure at a hydraulic member; and disengaging the upper body from the lower body when the received pressure is greater than a predetermined pressure. 39. The method as recited in claim 38, further comprising:
responsive to the received pressure, opening a first relief valve having a first pressure setting corresponding to the predetermined pressure, thereby causing fluid to flow through the valve and causing the lower body to disengage from the upper body. 40. The method as recited in claim 39, further comprising:
closing the first relief valve when gauge pressure at the hydraulic member is substantially zero; allowing fluid to flow through a second relief valve in a direction opposite of the flow of fluid through the first relief valve; and recoupling the upper body to the lower body into the engaged configuration and thereby causing the upper body to rotate in unison with the lower body. | 3,600 |
12,786 | 12,786 | 14,275,268 | 3,655 | In a method for determining input data of a driver assistance unit, information data are provided, which were determined as a function of a measurement signal of a first sensor using a predefined first calculation rule. Raw data are provided, which are representative of a measurement signal of the first and/or a second sensor. The plausibility data are determined as a function of the raw data using a predefined second calculation rule. Fusion data, which represent information data that have been checked for plausibility, are determined as a function of the information data and the plausibility data. The fusion data are provided as the input data to the driver assistance unit. | 1. A method for determining input data of a driver assistance unit, the method comprising the acts of:
providing information data (ID), which information data were determined as a function of a measurement signal of a first sensor using a predefined first calculation rule; providing raw data (RD), which raw data are representative of a measurement signal of the first sensor or of a second sensor; determining plausibility data (PD) as a function of the raw data using a predefined second calculation rule; determining fusion data (FD), which fusion data represent information data that have been checked for plausibility, as a function of the information data and the plausibility data; and providing the fusion data as the input data (ED) to the driver assistance unit. 2. The method according to claim 1 wherein the second calculation rule is predefined as compared to the first calculation rule such that the plausibility data have a shorter delay time than the information data. 3. The method according to claim 2, wherein the information data have a delay time in a seconds range. 4. The method according to claim 2, wherein the second calculation anile is based on a Dempster-Shafer theory. 5. The method according to claim 1, wherein the fusion data are determined by way of a rule of combination according to Dempster. 6. The method according to claim 1, wherein the fusion data are determined by way of a rule of combination according to Yager. 7. The method according to claim 1, wherein the information data include information about a state of movement of a pedestrian, and further wherein the raw data are representative of a measurement signal of at least one inertial sensor. 8. The method according to claim 1 wherein the information data include information about a voice command, and further wherein the raw data are representative of a measurement signal of at least one interior microphone of a vehicle. 9. The method according to claim 1 wherein the information data include information about a recognized gesture, and further wherein the raw data are representative of a measurement signal of at least one interior camera of a vehicle. 10. An apparatus for determining input data of a driver assistance unit of a motor vehicle, comprising:
a control device configured to receive information data determined as a function of a measurement signal of a first sensor using a predefined first calculation rule and raw data representative of a measurement signal of the first sensor or of a second sensor, wherein
the control device executes processing that:
determine plausibility data (PD) as a function of the raw data using a predefined second calculation rule; determine fusion data (FD), which fusion data represent information data that have been checked for plausibility, as a function of the information data and the plausibility data; and provide the fusion data as the input data (ED) to the driver assistance unit. 11. A system for determining input data of a driver assistance unit of a motor vehicle, comprising:
a first sensor; a calculation unit operatively configured to determine information data as a function of a measurement signal of the first sensor using a predefined first calculation rule; a control device that receives both the information data and raw data which raw data is representative of the measurement signal of the first sensor or a measurement signal of a second sensor, wherein
the control device executes processing that:
determine plausibility data (PD) as a function of the raw data using a predefined second calculation rule; determine fusion data (FD), which fusion data represent information data that have been checked for plausibility, as a function of the information data and the plausibility data; and provide the fusion data as the input data (ED) to the driver assistance unit. 12. A computer program product, comprising:
a computer readable medium having stored thereon executable program code that: determine information data (ID) as a function of a measurement signal of a first sensor using a predefined first calculation rule; determine plausibility data (PD) as a function of the raw data using a predefined second calculation rule, the raw data being representative of a measurement signal of the first sensor or of a second sensor; determine fusion data (FD), which fusion data represent information data that have been checked for plausibility, as a function of the information data and the plausibility data, the fusion data being the input data (ED) to the driver assistance unit. | In a method for determining input data of a driver assistance unit, information data are provided, which were determined as a function of a measurement signal of a first sensor using a predefined first calculation rule. Raw data are provided, which are representative of a measurement signal of the first and/or a second sensor. The plausibility data are determined as a function of the raw data using a predefined second calculation rule. Fusion data, which represent information data that have been checked for plausibility, are determined as a function of the information data and the plausibility data. The fusion data are provided as the input data to the driver assistance unit.1. A method for determining input data of a driver assistance unit, the method comprising the acts of:
providing information data (ID), which information data were determined as a function of a measurement signal of a first sensor using a predefined first calculation rule; providing raw data (RD), which raw data are representative of a measurement signal of the first sensor or of a second sensor; determining plausibility data (PD) as a function of the raw data using a predefined second calculation rule; determining fusion data (FD), which fusion data represent information data that have been checked for plausibility, as a function of the information data and the plausibility data; and providing the fusion data as the input data (ED) to the driver assistance unit. 2. The method according to claim 1 wherein the second calculation rule is predefined as compared to the first calculation rule such that the plausibility data have a shorter delay time than the information data. 3. The method according to claim 2, wherein the information data have a delay time in a seconds range. 4. The method according to claim 2, wherein the second calculation anile is based on a Dempster-Shafer theory. 5. The method according to claim 1, wherein the fusion data are determined by way of a rule of combination according to Dempster. 6. The method according to claim 1, wherein the fusion data are determined by way of a rule of combination according to Yager. 7. The method according to claim 1, wherein the information data include information about a state of movement of a pedestrian, and further wherein the raw data are representative of a measurement signal of at least one inertial sensor. 8. The method according to claim 1 wherein the information data include information about a voice command, and further wherein the raw data are representative of a measurement signal of at least one interior microphone of a vehicle. 9. The method according to claim 1 wherein the information data include information about a recognized gesture, and further wherein the raw data are representative of a measurement signal of at least one interior camera of a vehicle. 10. An apparatus for determining input data of a driver assistance unit of a motor vehicle, comprising:
a control device configured to receive information data determined as a function of a measurement signal of a first sensor using a predefined first calculation rule and raw data representative of a measurement signal of the first sensor or of a second sensor, wherein
the control device executes processing that:
determine plausibility data (PD) as a function of the raw data using a predefined second calculation rule; determine fusion data (FD), which fusion data represent information data that have been checked for plausibility, as a function of the information data and the plausibility data; and provide the fusion data as the input data (ED) to the driver assistance unit. 11. A system for determining input data of a driver assistance unit of a motor vehicle, comprising:
a first sensor; a calculation unit operatively configured to determine information data as a function of a measurement signal of the first sensor using a predefined first calculation rule; a control device that receives both the information data and raw data which raw data is representative of the measurement signal of the first sensor or a measurement signal of a second sensor, wherein
the control device executes processing that:
determine plausibility data (PD) as a function of the raw data using a predefined second calculation rule; determine fusion data (FD), which fusion data represent information data that have been checked for plausibility, as a function of the information data and the plausibility data; and provide the fusion data as the input data (ED) to the driver assistance unit. 12. A computer program product, comprising:
a computer readable medium having stored thereon executable program code that: determine information data (ID) as a function of a measurement signal of a first sensor using a predefined first calculation rule; determine plausibility data (PD) as a function of the raw data using a predefined second calculation rule, the raw data being representative of a measurement signal of the first sensor or of a second sensor; determine fusion data (FD), which fusion data represent information data that have been checked for plausibility, as a function of the information data and the plausibility data, the fusion data being the input data (ED) to the driver assistance unit. | 3,600 |
12,787 | 12,787 | 10,638,648 | 3,623 | A method and system is disclosed for storing and manipulating customer transaction data received from a plurality of sources. The method may use a computer system comprising a storage device for storing the customer transaction data and a processor for processing the customer transaction data. The method may comprise receiving the customer transaction data, the customer transaction data relating to spending characteristics; appending customer demographic information to the customer transaction data, the customer demographic information including customer demographic variables; organizing the customer transaction data within a predetermined organizational structure; aggregating the customer transaction data based on at least one of customer demographic variables and spending characteristics; and creating a customer profile based on the customer transaction data. | 1. A method, implemented in a computer system, for determining customer affinity to a merchant, the computer system comprising a preference engine and a tangibly embodied processor for processing the customer transaction data, the method comprising:
storing, in a database, the customer transaction data from the plurality of sources, the database coupled to the preference engine; receiving, via an electronic input, the customer transaction data, the customer transaction data relating to spending characteristics of transactions at a plurality of merchant entities; appending, by the preference engine, customer demographic information to the customer transaction data, the customer demographic information including customer demographic variables; classifying, by the preference engine, the customer transaction data within a predetermined organizational structure, includes organizing the customer transaction data based at least in part on a classification associated with the plurality of merchant entities; aggregating, by the preference engine, the customer transaction data based on at least one of the customer demographic variables, the classification of the plurality of merchant entities, and the spending characteristics; generating, by the preference engine, a customer profile based on the customer transaction data; and wherein the method further includes:
identifying, by the preference engine, a specific merchant entity of the plurality of merchant entities and generating a merchant profile for that specific merchant entity; and
generating, by the preference engine, marketing information based on a degree of matching between the customer profile and a merchant profile of the specific merchant entity, wherein generating marketing information comprises:
determining, by the preference engine, merchant zip codes based on the customer transaction data for respective purchases of the customer at the plurality of merchant entities, and
determining, by the preference engine, over a period of time, a distance between the merchant zip codes in order to determine a rate of moving of the customer; and
wherein the degree of matching between the customer profile and a merchant profile of the specific merchant entity is indicative of an affinity of the customer to the specific merchant entity. 2. (canceled) 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the merchant entity is one of a product provider and a service provider. 4. The method of claim 1, wherein the predetermined organizational structure is a model. 5. The method of claim 1, wherein the customer profile relates to a single customer. 6. The method of claim 1, wherein the customer profile relates to a group of customers. 7. The method of claim 1, wherein the customer demographic variables includes at least one of zip code of the customer, income of the customer and profession of the customer. 8. (canceled) 9. The method of claim 1, wherein the creating the customer profile based on the customer transaction data further includes utilizing external credit data, the external credit data being publicly available. 10. The method of claim 9, wherein the external credit data is obtained from a credit bureau. 11. The method of claim 9, wherein the external credit data includes at least one of risk score information, number of bankcards of a customer and mortgage information relating to a customer. 12. The method of claim 1, wherein the customer transaction data includes at least one of customer purchase information obtained from customers and transaction records relating to customer purchases. 13. The method of claim 1, wherein the creating a customer profile based on the customer transaction data includes:
calculating the transaction frequencies for N spending preferences; linking all accounts belonging to a single customer entity; estimating K individual component densities; and estimating K individual mixing weights. 14. The method of claim 13, wherein the estimating K individual component densities and estimating K individual mixing weights are performed by using an expectation maximization algorithm and global parameters as priors. 15. The method of claim 13, wherein a single customer entity is one of a single customer and a single household. 16. The method of claim 13, wherein the customer profile is applied in an off-us spending analysis. 17. The method of claim 1, wherein the customer profile relates to spending associated with a particular entity, and the method further includes:
generating a share of wallet estimate based on the customer profile and bureau data; generating a prior estimate of customer spending based on the customer demographic information in the customer profile; and combining the customer profile and the prior estimate of customer spending along with the share of wallet estimate to generate an estimate of the customer's overall customer spending profile. 18. The method of claim 17, further including comparing the estimate of the customer's overall customer spending profile with spending associated with the particular entity to determine the spending behavior on all accounts with other entities. 19. The method of claim 1, wherein the method further includes performing the steps, based on a plurality of generated customer profiles, of:
finding the total number of customers in a portfolio as a function of zip code NtotalZIP); finding the total number of customers with a purchase preference for a particular merchant entity as a function of zip code (NairlineZIP); and calculating a density of customers as a function of zip code based on a ratio of Nairline|ZIP/NtotalZIP. 20. A computer system that determines customer affinity to a merchant, the customer system comprising:
a database that stores the customer transaction data from the plurality of sources, an electronic input, coupled to the database, that receives the customer transaction data, the customer transaction data relating to spending characteristics of transactions at a plurality of merchant entities; the preference engine, coupled to the database and the electronic input, and comprising a processor programmed to perform the steps of:
appending customer demographic information to the customer transaction data, the customer demographic information including customer demographic variables;
organizing the customer transaction data within a predetermined organizational structure, includes organizing the customer transaction data based at least in part on a classification associated with the plurality of merchant entities;
aggregating the customer transaction data based on at least one of the customer demographic variables, the classification associated with the plurality of merchant entities, and the spending characteristics; and
creating a customer profile based on the customer transaction data. 21. A method, implemented in a computer system, for determining customer affinity to a merchant, the computer system comprising a preference engine and a tangibly embodied processor for processing the customer transaction data, the method comprising:
storing, in a database, the customer transaction data from the plurality of sources, the database coupled to the preference engine; receiving, via an electronic input by a receiving module, the customer transaction data, the customer transaction data relating to a plurality of merchant entities; appending, by the preference engine, customer demographic information to the customer transaction data, the customer demographic information including customer demographic variables; determining, by the preference engine, a classification for each of the plurality of merchant entities, such determining including, for each merchant in the customer transaction data: determining the classification in which a particular merchant falls by (1) mapping a merchant record to a classification, OR (2) associating a merchant record to a further merchant record that is already mapped; classifying, by the preference engine, the customer transaction data based at least in part on the classification for each of the plurality of merchant entities; aggregating, by the preference engine, the customer transaction data based on at least one of the customer demographic variables and the classification for each of the plurality of merchant entities; generating, by the preference engine, a customer profile based on the customer transaction data and the processing module disposed on and executed by the tangibly embodied processor of the computer system. | A method and system is disclosed for storing and manipulating customer transaction data received from a plurality of sources. The method may use a computer system comprising a storage device for storing the customer transaction data and a processor for processing the customer transaction data. The method may comprise receiving the customer transaction data, the customer transaction data relating to spending characteristics; appending customer demographic information to the customer transaction data, the customer demographic information including customer demographic variables; organizing the customer transaction data within a predetermined organizational structure; aggregating the customer transaction data based on at least one of customer demographic variables and spending characteristics; and creating a customer profile based on the customer transaction data.1. A method, implemented in a computer system, for determining customer affinity to a merchant, the computer system comprising a preference engine and a tangibly embodied processor for processing the customer transaction data, the method comprising:
storing, in a database, the customer transaction data from the plurality of sources, the database coupled to the preference engine; receiving, via an electronic input, the customer transaction data, the customer transaction data relating to spending characteristics of transactions at a plurality of merchant entities; appending, by the preference engine, customer demographic information to the customer transaction data, the customer demographic information including customer demographic variables; classifying, by the preference engine, the customer transaction data within a predetermined organizational structure, includes organizing the customer transaction data based at least in part on a classification associated with the plurality of merchant entities; aggregating, by the preference engine, the customer transaction data based on at least one of the customer demographic variables, the classification of the plurality of merchant entities, and the spending characteristics; generating, by the preference engine, a customer profile based on the customer transaction data; and wherein the method further includes:
identifying, by the preference engine, a specific merchant entity of the plurality of merchant entities and generating a merchant profile for that specific merchant entity; and
generating, by the preference engine, marketing information based on a degree of matching between the customer profile and a merchant profile of the specific merchant entity, wherein generating marketing information comprises:
determining, by the preference engine, merchant zip codes based on the customer transaction data for respective purchases of the customer at the plurality of merchant entities, and
determining, by the preference engine, over a period of time, a distance between the merchant zip codes in order to determine a rate of moving of the customer; and
wherein the degree of matching between the customer profile and a merchant profile of the specific merchant entity is indicative of an affinity of the customer to the specific merchant entity. 2. (canceled) 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the merchant entity is one of a product provider and a service provider. 4. The method of claim 1, wherein the predetermined organizational structure is a model. 5. The method of claim 1, wherein the customer profile relates to a single customer. 6. The method of claim 1, wherein the customer profile relates to a group of customers. 7. The method of claim 1, wherein the customer demographic variables includes at least one of zip code of the customer, income of the customer and profession of the customer. 8. (canceled) 9. The method of claim 1, wherein the creating the customer profile based on the customer transaction data further includes utilizing external credit data, the external credit data being publicly available. 10. The method of claim 9, wherein the external credit data is obtained from a credit bureau. 11. The method of claim 9, wherein the external credit data includes at least one of risk score information, number of bankcards of a customer and mortgage information relating to a customer. 12. The method of claim 1, wherein the customer transaction data includes at least one of customer purchase information obtained from customers and transaction records relating to customer purchases. 13. The method of claim 1, wherein the creating a customer profile based on the customer transaction data includes:
calculating the transaction frequencies for N spending preferences; linking all accounts belonging to a single customer entity; estimating K individual component densities; and estimating K individual mixing weights. 14. The method of claim 13, wherein the estimating K individual component densities and estimating K individual mixing weights are performed by using an expectation maximization algorithm and global parameters as priors. 15. The method of claim 13, wherein a single customer entity is one of a single customer and a single household. 16. The method of claim 13, wherein the customer profile is applied in an off-us spending analysis. 17. The method of claim 1, wherein the customer profile relates to spending associated with a particular entity, and the method further includes:
generating a share of wallet estimate based on the customer profile and bureau data; generating a prior estimate of customer spending based on the customer demographic information in the customer profile; and combining the customer profile and the prior estimate of customer spending along with the share of wallet estimate to generate an estimate of the customer's overall customer spending profile. 18. The method of claim 17, further including comparing the estimate of the customer's overall customer spending profile with spending associated with the particular entity to determine the spending behavior on all accounts with other entities. 19. The method of claim 1, wherein the method further includes performing the steps, based on a plurality of generated customer profiles, of:
finding the total number of customers in a portfolio as a function of zip code NtotalZIP); finding the total number of customers with a purchase preference for a particular merchant entity as a function of zip code (NairlineZIP); and calculating a density of customers as a function of zip code based on a ratio of Nairline|ZIP/NtotalZIP. 20. A computer system that determines customer affinity to a merchant, the customer system comprising:
a database that stores the customer transaction data from the plurality of sources, an electronic input, coupled to the database, that receives the customer transaction data, the customer transaction data relating to spending characteristics of transactions at a plurality of merchant entities; the preference engine, coupled to the database and the electronic input, and comprising a processor programmed to perform the steps of:
appending customer demographic information to the customer transaction data, the customer demographic information including customer demographic variables;
organizing the customer transaction data within a predetermined organizational structure, includes organizing the customer transaction data based at least in part on a classification associated with the plurality of merchant entities;
aggregating the customer transaction data based on at least one of the customer demographic variables, the classification associated with the plurality of merchant entities, and the spending characteristics; and
creating a customer profile based on the customer transaction data. 21. A method, implemented in a computer system, for determining customer affinity to a merchant, the computer system comprising a preference engine and a tangibly embodied processor for processing the customer transaction data, the method comprising:
storing, in a database, the customer transaction data from the plurality of sources, the database coupled to the preference engine; receiving, via an electronic input by a receiving module, the customer transaction data, the customer transaction data relating to a plurality of merchant entities; appending, by the preference engine, customer demographic information to the customer transaction data, the customer demographic information including customer demographic variables; determining, by the preference engine, a classification for each of the plurality of merchant entities, such determining including, for each merchant in the customer transaction data: determining the classification in which a particular merchant falls by (1) mapping a merchant record to a classification, OR (2) associating a merchant record to a further merchant record that is already mapped; classifying, by the preference engine, the customer transaction data based at least in part on the classification for each of the plurality of merchant entities; aggregating, by the preference engine, the customer transaction data based on at least one of the customer demographic variables and the classification for each of the plurality of merchant entities; generating, by the preference engine, a customer profile based on the customer transaction data and the processing module disposed on and executed by the tangibly embodied processor of the computer system. | 3,600 |
12,788 | 12,788 | 13,777,857 | 3,629 | An online system stores a plurality of browsing histories for its users, each browsing history associated with a user's user identifying information. Based on a request for an advertisement from a client device that identifies a user and indicates the user does not have an existing session with the online system, the online system compares the identified user's browsing history to other stored browsing histories. Users associated with stored browsing histories similar to the identified user's browsing history are identified and user profiles of the identified users having an established session with the online system are identified. One or more common characteristics of the identified user profiles are used to select an advertisement for presentation to the user. | 1. A method comprising:
storing a plurality of browsing histories for users of an online system, each browsing history associated with user identifying information for a user of the online system; receiving a request to present an advertisement to a viewing user of the online system from a client device, the request including user identifying information for the viewing user and indicating whether the viewing user has an existing session with the online session; retrieving a browsing history associated with the user identifying information for the viewing user; identifying one or more browsing histories of users of the online system based on the browsing history associated with the user identifying information for the viewing user if the request indicates the viewing user does not have the existing session with the online system; determining user identifying information associated with the identified one or more browsing histories; retrieving user profiles associated with the user identifying information associated with the identified one or more browsing histories and associated with users having an ongoing session with the online system determining one or more common characteristics from the retrieved user profiles; selecting an ad request from one or more candidate ad requests for presentation to the viewing user based on the determined one or more common characteristics; and sending an advertisement associated with the selected ad request to the client device for presentation to the viewing user. 2. The method of claim 1, further comprising:
receiving browsing data identifying content accessed by the viewing user and the user identifying information for the viewing user from the client device; and updating the browsing history associated with the user identifying information for the viewing user based on the received browsing data. 3. The method of claim 1, wherein identifying one or more browsing histories of users of the online system based on the browsing history associated with the user identifying information for the viewing user comprises:
generating scores for each of one or more browsing histories associated with one or more additional users of the online system, a score describing a degree of similarity between the browsing history associated with the user identifying user for the viewing user and a browsing history associated with an additional user of the online system; and identifying one or more browsing histories associated with additional users of the online system having at least a threshold score. 4. The method of claim 3, wherein the one or more additional users of the online system have an existing online session with the online system. 5. The method of claim 3, wherein the one or more users have authorized the online system to access their browsing histories. 6. The method of claim 1, wherein identifying one or more browsing histories of users of the online system based on the browsing history associated with the user identifying information for the viewing user comprises:
identifying browsing histories of additional users of the online system having at least a threshold number of attributes in common with the browsing history associated with the user identifying information for the viewing user. 7. The method of claim 1, wherein identifying one or more browsing histories of users of the online system based on the browsing history associated with the user identifying information for the viewing user comprises:
identifying browsing histories of additional users of the online system having at least a threshold percentage of attributes in common with the browsing history associated with the user identifying information for the viewing user. 8. The method of claim 1, wherein determining one or more common characteristics from the retrieved user profiles comprises:
identifying characteristics included in at least a threshold number of the retrieved user profiles. 9. The method of claim 1, wherein determining one or more common characteristics from the retrieved user profiles comprises:
identifying characteristics included in at least a threshold percentage of the retrieved user profiles. 10. The method of claim 1, wherein the request includes at least one request parameter for filtering candidate ad requests identified by the online system. 11. The method of claim 1, wherein selecting the ad request from one or more candidate ad requests for presentation to the viewing user based on the determined one or more common characteristics comprises:
selecting one or more candidate ad requests having at least one targeting criteria satisfied by the one or more common characteristics; calculating an expected value for each of the selected candidate ad requests based at least in part on a bid price associated with a selected candidate ad request; and selecting a candidate ad request based at least in part on the expected values. 12. A method comprising:
receiving a request to present an advertisement to a viewing user of an online system from a client device, the request including user identifying information for the viewing user and indicating the viewing user does not haves an existing session with the online system; retrieving a browsing history associated with the viewing user based on the user identifying information for the viewing user; identifying one or more browsing histories associated with additional users of the online system and stored by the online system based on the browsing history associated with the viewing user; retrieving user profile information associated with the additional users associated with the identified one or more browsing histories and having an ongoing session with the online system; determining one or more common characteristics from the retrieved user profiles; selecting an ad request having one or more targeting criteria satisfied by the one or more common characteristics; and sending an advertisement associated with the selected ad request to the client device for presentation to the viewing user. 13. The method of claim 12, wherein identifying one or more browsing histories associated with additional users of the online system and stored by the online system based on the browsing history associated with the viewing user comprises:
generating scores for each of one or more browsing histories associated with one or more additional users of the online system, a score describing a degree of similarity between the browsing history associated with the user identifying user for the viewing user and a browsing history associated with an additional user of the online system; and identifying one or more browsing histories associated with additional users of the online system having at least a threshold score. 14. The method of claim 12, wherein the additional users of the online system have an existing online session with the online system. 15. The method of claim 12, wherein the one or more users have authorized the online system to access their browsing histories. 16. The method of claim 12, wherein identifying one or more browsing histories associated with additional users of the online system and stored by the online system based on the browsing history associated with the viewing user comprises:
identifying browsing histories of additional users of the online system having at least a threshold number of attributes in common with the browsing history associated with the user identifying information for the viewing user. 17. The method of claim 12, wherein identifying one or more browsing histories associated with additional users of the online system and stored by the online system based on the browsing history associated with the viewing user comprises:
identifying browsing histories of additional users of the online system having at least a threshold percentage of attributes in common with the browsing history associated with the user identifying information for the viewing user. 18. The method of claim 12, wherein determining one or more common characteristics from the retrieved user profiles comprises:
identifying characteristics included in at least a threshold number of the retrieved user profiles. 19. The method of claim 12, wherein determining one or more common characteristics from the retrieved user profiles comprises:
identifying characteristics included in at least a threshold percentage of the retrieved user profiles. 20. The method of claim 12, wherein the request includes at least one request parameter for filtering candidate ad requests identified by the online system. | An online system stores a plurality of browsing histories for its users, each browsing history associated with a user's user identifying information. Based on a request for an advertisement from a client device that identifies a user and indicates the user does not have an existing session with the online system, the online system compares the identified user's browsing history to other stored browsing histories. Users associated with stored browsing histories similar to the identified user's browsing history are identified and user profiles of the identified users having an established session with the online system are identified. One or more common characteristics of the identified user profiles are used to select an advertisement for presentation to the user.1. A method comprising:
storing a plurality of browsing histories for users of an online system, each browsing history associated with user identifying information for a user of the online system; receiving a request to present an advertisement to a viewing user of the online system from a client device, the request including user identifying information for the viewing user and indicating whether the viewing user has an existing session with the online session; retrieving a browsing history associated with the user identifying information for the viewing user; identifying one or more browsing histories of users of the online system based on the browsing history associated with the user identifying information for the viewing user if the request indicates the viewing user does not have the existing session with the online system; determining user identifying information associated with the identified one or more browsing histories; retrieving user profiles associated with the user identifying information associated with the identified one or more browsing histories and associated with users having an ongoing session with the online system determining one or more common characteristics from the retrieved user profiles; selecting an ad request from one or more candidate ad requests for presentation to the viewing user based on the determined one or more common characteristics; and sending an advertisement associated with the selected ad request to the client device for presentation to the viewing user. 2. The method of claim 1, further comprising:
receiving browsing data identifying content accessed by the viewing user and the user identifying information for the viewing user from the client device; and updating the browsing history associated with the user identifying information for the viewing user based on the received browsing data. 3. The method of claim 1, wherein identifying one or more browsing histories of users of the online system based on the browsing history associated with the user identifying information for the viewing user comprises:
generating scores for each of one or more browsing histories associated with one or more additional users of the online system, a score describing a degree of similarity between the browsing history associated with the user identifying user for the viewing user and a browsing history associated with an additional user of the online system; and identifying one or more browsing histories associated with additional users of the online system having at least a threshold score. 4. The method of claim 3, wherein the one or more additional users of the online system have an existing online session with the online system. 5. The method of claim 3, wherein the one or more users have authorized the online system to access their browsing histories. 6. The method of claim 1, wherein identifying one or more browsing histories of users of the online system based on the browsing history associated with the user identifying information for the viewing user comprises:
identifying browsing histories of additional users of the online system having at least a threshold number of attributes in common with the browsing history associated with the user identifying information for the viewing user. 7. The method of claim 1, wherein identifying one or more browsing histories of users of the online system based on the browsing history associated with the user identifying information for the viewing user comprises:
identifying browsing histories of additional users of the online system having at least a threshold percentage of attributes in common with the browsing history associated with the user identifying information for the viewing user. 8. The method of claim 1, wherein determining one or more common characteristics from the retrieved user profiles comprises:
identifying characteristics included in at least a threshold number of the retrieved user profiles. 9. The method of claim 1, wherein determining one or more common characteristics from the retrieved user profiles comprises:
identifying characteristics included in at least a threshold percentage of the retrieved user profiles. 10. The method of claim 1, wherein the request includes at least one request parameter for filtering candidate ad requests identified by the online system. 11. The method of claim 1, wherein selecting the ad request from one or more candidate ad requests for presentation to the viewing user based on the determined one or more common characteristics comprises:
selecting one or more candidate ad requests having at least one targeting criteria satisfied by the one or more common characteristics; calculating an expected value for each of the selected candidate ad requests based at least in part on a bid price associated with a selected candidate ad request; and selecting a candidate ad request based at least in part on the expected values. 12. A method comprising:
receiving a request to present an advertisement to a viewing user of an online system from a client device, the request including user identifying information for the viewing user and indicating the viewing user does not haves an existing session with the online system; retrieving a browsing history associated with the viewing user based on the user identifying information for the viewing user; identifying one or more browsing histories associated with additional users of the online system and stored by the online system based on the browsing history associated with the viewing user; retrieving user profile information associated with the additional users associated with the identified one or more browsing histories and having an ongoing session with the online system; determining one or more common characteristics from the retrieved user profiles; selecting an ad request having one or more targeting criteria satisfied by the one or more common characteristics; and sending an advertisement associated with the selected ad request to the client device for presentation to the viewing user. 13. The method of claim 12, wherein identifying one or more browsing histories associated with additional users of the online system and stored by the online system based on the browsing history associated with the viewing user comprises:
generating scores for each of one or more browsing histories associated with one or more additional users of the online system, a score describing a degree of similarity between the browsing history associated with the user identifying user for the viewing user and a browsing history associated with an additional user of the online system; and identifying one or more browsing histories associated with additional users of the online system having at least a threshold score. 14. The method of claim 12, wherein the additional users of the online system have an existing online session with the online system. 15. The method of claim 12, wherein the one or more users have authorized the online system to access their browsing histories. 16. The method of claim 12, wherein identifying one or more browsing histories associated with additional users of the online system and stored by the online system based on the browsing history associated with the viewing user comprises:
identifying browsing histories of additional users of the online system having at least a threshold number of attributes in common with the browsing history associated with the user identifying information for the viewing user. 17. The method of claim 12, wherein identifying one or more browsing histories associated with additional users of the online system and stored by the online system based on the browsing history associated with the viewing user comprises:
identifying browsing histories of additional users of the online system having at least a threshold percentage of attributes in common with the browsing history associated with the user identifying information for the viewing user. 18. The method of claim 12, wherein determining one or more common characteristics from the retrieved user profiles comprises:
identifying characteristics included in at least a threshold number of the retrieved user profiles. 19. The method of claim 12, wherein determining one or more common characteristics from the retrieved user profiles comprises:
identifying characteristics included in at least a threshold percentage of the retrieved user profiles. 20. The method of claim 12, wherein the request includes at least one request parameter for filtering candidate ad requests identified by the online system. | 3,600 |
12,789 | 12,789 | 15,447,160 | 3,617 | A system is used with a pneumatic tire mounted on a wheel rim to keep the pneumatic tire from becoming underinflated. The first system includes a plurality of pumps attached circumferentially to the wheel rim, each pump having pump parameters, and a control valve for controlling inlet air into a tire cavity of the pneumatic tire. The control valve has valve parameters. The system predicts system performance under various configurations and conditions through use of the pump parameters and the valve parameters. | 1. A system for use with a pneumatic tire mounted on a wheel rim to keep the pneumatic tire from becoming underinflated, the system comprising:
a plurality of pumps attached circumferentially to the wheel rim, each pump having pump parameters, each pump including one piston with a check valve between each pump; and a control valve for controlling inlet air into a tire cavity of the pneumatic tire, the control valve having valve parameters, the system predicting system performance under various configurations and conditions through use of the pump parameters and the valve parameters. 2. The system as set forth in claim 1 wherein the plurality of pumps and the control valve define a multi-chamber pump configuration. 3. (canceled) 4. (canceled) 5. The system as set forth in claim 1 wherein:
the pumps are fit to the wheel rim;
set PR(i)=PL(i)=P0, i=1 to n (total number of pumps used);
set x(i)=0 and θ(i)=2π/n(i−1);
PL(0)=P0 (always) and PR(n+1)=Ptire (the tire cavity);
calculate new x(i), PR(i) and PL(i);
determine check valve status:
if PR(i)≧PL(i)+Pcr, then check valve is open;
if PL(i−1)≧PR(i)+Pcr, then adjacent check valve is open;
balance pressure between connected chamber and reset check valve to close; and
recalculate x(i), PR(i) and PL(i) until no more open check valve. 6. The system as set forth in claim 5 wherein subsequently:
the wheel rim rotates to a predefined step angle;
calculate new x(i), PR(i) and PL(i);
determine check valve status:
if PR(i)≧PL(i)+Pcr then check valve is open;
if PL(i−1)≧PR(i)+Pcr then adjacent check valve is open;
balance pressure between connected chamber and reset check valve to close; and
recalculate x(i), PR(i) and PL(i) until no more open check valve. 7. The system as set forth in claim 1 wherein the plurality of pumps define a force control system with a maximum pumping capability determined by a piston of each pump moving a maximum distance within each pump. 8. The system as set forth in claim 1 wherein each pump includes a first diaphragm limiting motion of a piston in a first direction and a second diaphragm limiting motion of the piston in a second opposite direction. 9. The system as set forth in claim 1 wherein the system is driven by two force a gravitation component and an acceleration component. 10. The system as set forth in claim 1 wherein the pump parameters include a piston mass parameter, a first piston travel parameter, and a second piston travel parameter. 11. A system for modeling a pneumatic tire mounted on a wheel rim and a pumping mechanism mounted on the wheel rim to keep the pneumatic tire from becoming underinflated, the system comprising:
a plurality of pumps attached circumferentially to the wheel rim, each pump having pump parameters; and a control valve for controlling inlet air into a tire cavity of the pneumatic tire, the control valve having valve parameters, the system predicting system performance under various configurations and conditions through use of the pump parameters and the valve parameters. 12. The system as set forth in claim 11 wherein the plurality of pumps and the control valve define a multi-chamber pump configuration. 13. The system as set forth in claim 11 wherein each pump includes one piston placed between two chambers. 14. The system as set forth in claim 13 wherein the two chambers are connected by a narrow passage having a one-way check valve. 15. The system as set forth in claim 11 wherein:
the pumps are fit to the wheel rim;
set PR(i)=PL(i)=P0, i=1 to n (total number of pumps used);
set x(i)=0 and θ(i)=2π/n(i−1);
PL(0)=P0 (always) and PR(n+1)=Ptire (the tire cavity);
calculate new x(i), PR(i) and PL(i);
determine check valve status:
if PR(i)≧PL(i)+Pcr, then check valve is open;
if PL(i−1)≧PR(i)+Pcr, then adjacent check valve is open;
balance pressure between connected chamber and reset check valve to close; and
recalculate x(i), PR(i) and PL(i) until no more open check valve. 16. The system as set forth in claim 15 wherein subsequently:
the wheel rim rotates to a predefined step angle;
calculate new x(i), PR(i) and PL(i);
determine check valve status:
if PR(i)≧PL(i)+Pcr then check valve is open;
if PL(i−1)≧PR(i)+Pcr then adjacent check valve is open;
balance pressure between connected chamber and reset check valve to close; and
recalculate x(i), PR(i) and PL(i) until no more open check valve. 17. The system as set forth in claim 11 wherein the plurality of pumps define a force control system with a maximum pumping capability determined by a piston of each pump moving a maximum distance within each pump. 18. The system as set forth in claim 11 wherein each pump includes a first diaphragm limiting motion of a piston in a first direction and a second diaphragm limiting motion of the piston in a second opposite direction. 19. The system as set forth in claim 11 wherein the system is driven by two force a gravitation component and an acceleration component. 20. The system as set forth in claim 1 wherein the pump parameters include a piston mass parameter, a first piston travel parameter, and a second piston travel parameter. 21-34. (canceled) | A system is used with a pneumatic tire mounted on a wheel rim to keep the pneumatic tire from becoming underinflated. The first system includes a plurality of pumps attached circumferentially to the wheel rim, each pump having pump parameters, and a control valve for controlling inlet air into a tire cavity of the pneumatic tire. The control valve has valve parameters. The system predicts system performance under various configurations and conditions through use of the pump parameters and the valve parameters.1. A system for use with a pneumatic tire mounted on a wheel rim to keep the pneumatic tire from becoming underinflated, the system comprising:
a plurality of pumps attached circumferentially to the wheel rim, each pump having pump parameters, each pump including one piston with a check valve between each pump; and a control valve for controlling inlet air into a tire cavity of the pneumatic tire, the control valve having valve parameters, the system predicting system performance under various configurations and conditions through use of the pump parameters and the valve parameters. 2. The system as set forth in claim 1 wherein the plurality of pumps and the control valve define a multi-chamber pump configuration. 3. (canceled) 4. (canceled) 5. The system as set forth in claim 1 wherein:
the pumps are fit to the wheel rim;
set PR(i)=PL(i)=P0, i=1 to n (total number of pumps used);
set x(i)=0 and θ(i)=2π/n(i−1);
PL(0)=P0 (always) and PR(n+1)=Ptire (the tire cavity);
calculate new x(i), PR(i) and PL(i);
determine check valve status:
if PR(i)≧PL(i)+Pcr, then check valve is open;
if PL(i−1)≧PR(i)+Pcr, then adjacent check valve is open;
balance pressure between connected chamber and reset check valve to close; and
recalculate x(i), PR(i) and PL(i) until no more open check valve. 6. The system as set forth in claim 5 wherein subsequently:
the wheel rim rotates to a predefined step angle;
calculate new x(i), PR(i) and PL(i);
determine check valve status:
if PR(i)≧PL(i)+Pcr then check valve is open;
if PL(i−1)≧PR(i)+Pcr then adjacent check valve is open;
balance pressure between connected chamber and reset check valve to close; and
recalculate x(i), PR(i) and PL(i) until no more open check valve. 7. The system as set forth in claim 1 wherein the plurality of pumps define a force control system with a maximum pumping capability determined by a piston of each pump moving a maximum distance within each pump. 8. The system as set forth in claim 1 wherein each pump includes a first diaphragm limiting motion of a piston in a first direction and a second diaphragm limiting motion of the piston in a second opposite direction. 9. The system as set forth in claim 1 wherein the system is driven by two force a gravitation component and an acceleration component. 10. The system as set forth in claim 1 wherein the pump parameters include a piston mass parameter, a first piston travel parameter, and a second piston travel parameter. 11. A system for modeling a pneumatic tire mounted on a wheel rim and a pumping mechanism mounted on the wheel rim to keep the pneumatic tire from becoming underinflated, the system comprising:
a plurality of pumps attached circumferentially to the wheel rim, each pump having pump parameters; and a control valve for controlling inlet air into a tire cavity of the pneumatic tire, the control valve having valve parameters, the system predicting system performance under various configurations and conditions through use of the pump parameters and the valve parameters. 12. The system as set forth in claim 11 wherein the plurality of pumps and the control valve define a multi-chamber pump configuration. 13. The system as set forth in claim 11 wherein each pump includes one piston placed between two chambers. 14. The system as set forth in claim 13 wherein the two chambers are connected by a narrow passage having a one-way check valve. 15. The system as set forth in claim 11 wherein:
the pumps are fit to the wheel rim;
set PR(i)=PL(i)=P0, i=1 to n (total number of pumps used);
set x(i)=0 and θ(i)=2π/n(i−1);
PL(0)=P0 (always) and PR(n+1)=Ptire (the tire cavity);
calculate new x(i), PR(i) and PL(i);
determine check valve status:
if PR(i)≧PL(i)+Pcr, then check valve is open;
if PL(i−1)≧PR(i)+Pcr, then adjacent check valve is open;
balance pressure between connected chamber and reset check valve to close; and
recalculate x(i), PR(i) and PL(i) until no more open check valve. 16. The system as set forth in claim 15 wherein subsequently:
the wheel rim rotates to a predefined step angle;
calculate new x(i), PR(i) and PL(i);
determine check valve status:
if PR(i)≧PL(i)+Pcr then check valve is open;
if PL(i−1)≧PR(i)+Pcr then adjacent check valve is open;
balance pressure between connected chamber and reset check valve to close; and
recalculate x(i), PR(i) and PL(i) until no more open check valve. 17. The system as set forth in claim 11 wherein the plurality of pumps define a force control system with a maximum pumping capability determined by a piston of each pump moving a maximum distance within each pump. 18. The system as set forth in claim 11 wherein each pump includes a first diaphragm limiting motion of a piston in a first direction and a second diaphragm limiting motion of the piston in a second opposite direction. 19. The system as set forth in claim 11 wherein the system is driven by two force a gravitation component and an acceleration component. 20. The system as set forth in claim 1 wherein the pump parameters include a piston mass parameter, a first piston travel parameter, and a second piston travel parameter. 21-34. (canceled) | 3,600 |
12,790 | 12,790 | 14,363,496 | 3,696 | An electronic data insurance management system may prompt a user, for a selected insurance product, to identify an indemnity level for insuring against loss to one or more electronic data sets, receive input identifying the indemnity level, and link an identifier for one of the one or more electronic data sets with a data insurance policy or policy certificate defined by the identified indemnity level. The system may also create a data storage account for the one of the one or more electronic data sets on a data management system using the identifier such that an association is formed between the data storage account and the data insurance policy or policy certificate. | 1. An electronic data insurance management system comprising:
at least one computing device configured to (i) prompt a user, for a selected insurance product, to identify an indemnity level for insuring against loss to one or more electronic data sets, (ii) receive input identifying the indemnity level, (iii) link an identifier for one of the one or more electronic data sets with a data insurance policy or policy certificate defined by the identified indemnity level, and (iv) create a data storage account for the one of the one or more electronic data sets on a data management system using the identifier such that an association is formed between the data storage account and the data insurance policy or policy certificate. 2. The system of claim 1 wherein the at least one computing device is further configured to prompt the user to select among a universe of maximum capacities for storage of the one or more electronic data sets, to receive input selecting one of the maximum capacities, to link at least a portion of the selected maximum capacity with the identifier, and to set the storage capacity for the data storage account according to the selected maximum capacity. 3. The system of claim 2 wherein the selected insurance product defines the universe of maximum capacities for storage of the one or more electronic data sets. 4. The system of claim 1 wherein the at least one computing device is further configured to prompt the user to select one of a plurality of electronic data retention periods, to receive input selecting one of the electronic data retention periods, and to link the selected electronic data retention period with the identifier. 5. The system of claim 1 wherein the at least one computing device is further configured to prompt the user to select one of a plurality of insurance products and to receive input selecting one of the plurality of insurance products. 6. The system of claim 1 wherein the selected insurance product and the identified indemnity level define an insurance premium. 7. The system of claim 1 wherein the selected insurance product determines the data management system. 8. The system of claim 1 wherein the selected insurance product has an indemnity to premium ratio determined by characteristics of the data management system. 9. The system of claim 8, wherein the data management system includes redundant data centers and wherein the characteristics of the data management system include at least one of a number of the redundant data centers, a geographic distribution of the redundant data centers, a quality rating of each of the redundant data centers, and an infrastructure and operational standards of each of the redundant data centers. 10. A method for managing electronic data comprising:
prompting a user, for a selected insurance product, to identify an indemnity level for insuring against loss to one or more electronic data sets; receiving input identifying the indemnity level; linking an identifier for one of the one or more electronic data sets with a data insurance policy certificate defined by the identified indemnity level; creating a data storage account for the one of the one or more electronic data sets on a data management system using the identifier; and forming an association between the data storage account and the data insurance policy or policy certificate via the identifier. 11. The method of claim 10 further comprising prompting the user, for the selected insurance product, to select among a universe of maximum capacities for storage of the one or more electronic data sets, receiving input selecting one of the maximum capacities, linking at least a portion of the selected maximum capacity with the identifier, and setting the storage capacity for the data storage account according to the selected maximum capacity. 12. The method of claim 10 further comprising prompting the user, for the selected insurance product, to select one of a plurality of electronic data retention periods, receiving input selecting one of the electronic data retention periods, and linking the selected electronic data retention period with the identifier. 13. The method of claim 10 further comprising prompting the user to select one of a plurality of insurance products and receiving input selecting one of the plurality of insurance products. 14. The method of claim 10 wherein prompting a user, for a selected insurance product, to identify an indemnity level for insuring against loss to one or more electronic data sets includes prompting the user to select among a universe of indemnity levels. 15. The method of claim 10 further comprising receiving input defining the identifier. | An electronic data insurance management system may prompt a user, for a selected insurance product, to identify an indemnity level for insuring against loss to one or more electronic data sets, receive input identifying the indemnity level, and link an identifier for one of the one or more electronic data sets with a data insurance policy or policy certificate defined by the identified indemnity level. The system may also create a data storage account for the one of the one or more electronic data sets on a data management system using the identifier such that an association is formed between the data storage account and the data insurance policy or policy certificate.1. An electronic data insurance management system comprising:
at least one computing device configured to (i) prompt a user, for a selected insurance product, to identify an indemnity level for insuring against loss to one or more electronic data sets, (ii) receive input identifying the indemnity level, (iii) link an identifier for one of the one or more electronic data sets with a data insurance policy or policy certificate defined by the identified indemnity level, and (iv) create a data storage account for the one of the one or more electronic data sets on a data management system using the identifier such that an association is formed between the data storage account and the data insurance policy or policy certificate. 2. The system of claim 1 wherein the at least one computing device is further configured to prompt the user to select among a universe of maximum capacities for storage of the one or more electronic data sets, to receive input selecting one of the maximum capacities, to link at least a portion of the selected maximum capacity with the identifier, and to set the storage capacity for the data storage account according to the selected maximum capacity. 3. The system of claim 2 wherein the selected insurance product defines the universe of maximum capacities for storage of the one or more electronic data sets. 4. The system of claim 1 wherein the at least one computing device is further configured to prompt the user to select one of a plurality of electronic data retention periods, to receive input selecting one of the electronic data retention periods, and to link the selected electronic data retention period with the identifier. 5. The system of claim 1 wherein the at least one computing device is further configured to prompt the user to select one of a plurality of insurance products and to receive input selecting one of the plurality of insurance products. 6. The system of claim 1 wherein the selected insurance product and the identified indemnity level define an insurance premium. 7. The system of claim 1 wherein the selected insurance product determines the data management system. 8. The system of claim 1 wherein the selected insurance product has an indemnity to premium ratio determined by characteristics of the data management system. 9. The system of claim 8, wherein the data management system includes redundant data centers and wherein the characteristics of the data management system include at least one of a number of the redundant data centers, a geographic distribution of the redundant data centers, a quality rating of each of the redundant data centers, and an infrastructure and operational standards of each of the redundant data centers. 10. A method for managing electronic data comprising:
prompting a user, for a selected insurance product, to identify an indemnity level for insuring against loss to one or more electronic data sets; receiving input identifying the indemnity level; linking an identifier for one of the one or more electronic data sets with a data insurance policy certificate defined by the identified indemnity level; creating a data storage account for the one of the one or more electronic data sets on a data management system using the identifier; and forming an association between the data storage account and the data insurance policy or policy certificate via the identifier. 11. The method of claim 10 further comprising prompting the user, for the selected insurance product, to select among a universe of maximum capacities for storage of the one or more electronic data sets, receiving input selecting one of the maximum capacities, linking at least a portion of the selected maximum capacity with the identifier, and setting the storage capacity for the data storage account according to the selected maximum capacity. 12. The method of claim 10 further comprising prompting the user, for the selected insurance product, to select one of a plurality of electronic data retention periods, receiving input selecting one of the electronic data retention periods, and linking the selected electronic data retention period with the identifier. 13. The method of claim 10 further comprising prompting the user to select one of a plurality of insurance products and receiving input selecting one of the plurality of insurance products. 14. The method of claim 10 wherein prompting a user, for a selected insurance product, to identify an indemnity level for insuring against loss to one or more electronic data sets includes prompting the user to select among a universe of indemnity levels. 15. The method of claim 10 further comprising receiving input defining the identifier. | 3,600 |
12,791 | 12,791 | 14,171,044 | 3,684 | The invention is systems and methods for transferring items with restricted transferability. Initially, the systems and methods wait for a first consumer to make a request to transfer an item after having purchased the item from a provider. The systems and methods then send a request to transfer the item to the provider. This request may indicate inducements to the provider to authorize the transfer. If the transfer is authorized, the systems and methods then present information regarding the item to other consumers. This information may be presented as part of a bidding interface or as part of an advertising interface. Once the second consumer submits a winning bid for the item when the information is presented in a bidding interface, or an acceptable offer when the information is presented in an advertising interface, the transfer of the item can then be completed with or without the assistance of an intermediary. When the transfer is completed without the assistance of an intermediary, the first and second consumer may directly transfer the item and payment to each other. When the transfer is completed with the assistance of an intermediary, the first consumer may send the item to the intermediary and the second consumer may send payment to the intermediary. Once both the item and the payment have been received at the intermediary, the intermediary may send the item to the second consumer and all or part of the payment to the first consumer. | 1. An authorization control system comprising:
a transfer system operable to receive from a consumer a request to use the transfer system to sell a ticket; a provider system operable:
to determine whether a sale of the ticket by the consumer is authorized or denied; and
to send to the transfer system an indication of whether the sale of the ticket is authorized or denied; and
in which the transfer system is further operable:
to cause information regarding the ticket to be presented to a plurality of consumers when the indication from the transfer system indicates that the sale of the ticket is authorized; and
to charge the consumer a fee to use the transfer system to sell the ticket. 2. An authorization control system comprising:
a transfer system operable to receive from a consumer a request to use the transfer system to sell a ticket; a provider system operable:
to determine whether a sale of the ticket by the consumer is authorized or denied; and
to send to the transfer system an indication of whether the sale of the ticket is authorized or denied; and
in which the transfer system is further operable:
to cause information regarding the ticket to be presented to a plurality of consumers when the indication from the transfer system indicates that the sale of the ticket is authorized; and
to indicate an inducement to the provider system to authorize the sale of the ticket. 3. An authorization control system comprising:
a transfer system operable to receive from a consumer a request to use the transfer system to sell a ticket; a provider system operable:
to determine whether a sale of the ticket by the consumer is authorized or denied; and
to send to the transfer system an indication of whether the sale of the ticket is authorized or denied; and
in which the transfer system is further operable to cause information regarding the ticket to be presented to a plurality of consumers when the indication from the transfer system indicates that the sale of the ticket is authorized. | The invention is systems and methods for transferring items with restricted transferability. Initially, the systems and methods wait for a first consumer to make a request to transfer an item after having purchased the item from a provider. The systems and methods then send a request to transfer the item to the provider. This request may indicate inducements to the provider to authorize the transfer. If the transfer is authorized, the systems and methods then present information regarding the item to other consumers. This information may be presented as part of a bidding interface or as part of an advertising interface. Once the second consumer submits a winning bid for the item when the information is presented in a bidding interface, or an acceptable offer when the information is presented in an advertising interface, the transfer of the item can then be completed with or without the assistance of an intermediary. When the transfer is completed without the assistance of an intermediary, the first and second consumer may directly transfer the item and payment to each other. When the transfer is completed with the assistance of an intermediary, the first consumer may send the item to the intermediary and the second consumer may send payment to the intermediary. Once both the item and the payment have been received at the intermediary, the intermediary may send the item to the second consumer and all or part of the payment to the first consumer.1. An authorization control system comprising:
a transfer system operable to receive from a consumer a request to use the transfer system to sell a ticket; a provider system operable:
to determine whether a sale of the ticket by the consumer is authorized or denied; and
to send to the transfer system an indication of whether the sale of the ticket is authorized or denied; and
in which the transfer system is further operable:
to cause information regarding the ticket to be presented to a plurality of consumers when the indication from the transfer system indicates that the sale of the ticket is authorized; and
to charge the consumer a fee to use the transfer system to sell the ticket. 2. An authorization control system comprising:
a transfer system operable to receive from a consumer a request to use the transfer system to sell a ticket; a provider system operable:
to determine whether a sale of the ticket by the consumer is authorized or denied; and
to send to the transfer system an indication of whether the sale of the ticket is authorized or denied; and
in which the transfer system is further operable:
to cause information regarding the ticket to be presented to a plurality of consumers when the indication from the transfer system indicates that the sale of the ticket is authorized; and
to indicate an inducement to the provider system to authorize the sale of the ticket. 3. An authorization control system comprising:
a transfer system operable to receive from a consumer a request to use the transfer system to sell a ticket; a provider system operable:
to determine whether a sale of the ticket by the consumer is authorized or denied; and
to send to the transfer system an indication of whether the sale of the ticket is authorized or denied; and
in which the transfer system is further operable to cause information regarding the ticket to be presented to a plurality of consumers when the indication from the transfer system indicates that the sale of the ticket is authorized. | 3,600 |
12,792 | 12,792 | 14,511,317 | 3,626 | A system for messaging users is provided that comprises a therapeutic regime datastore arranged to store therapeutic activity information including information on therapeutic activities forming part of a therapeutic regime of a first user, the therapeutic regime of the first user relating to a health condition of the first user and a user datastore arranged to store information on a plurality of second users. A monitor mechanism is provided to monitor the first user to determine if the first user performs a therapeutic activity for which therapeutic activity information is stored in the therapeutic regime datastore and to produce an adherence result for that therapeutic activity based on the determination. An output mechanism is provided to output information to the second users regarding the adherence result, and a receiver mechanism is provided to receive messages from the second users to the first user relating to the adherence result. A ranking processor is provided to assign a ranking score to each of the second users, with the ranking score relating to the likely influence between a said second user and the first user. The output mechanism is arranged to output one or more messages from the second users to the first user in consideration of the ranking scores. | 1. A system for messaging, the system comprising:
a therapeutic regime datastore arranged to store therapeutic activity information including information on therapeutic activities forming part of a therapeutic regime of a first user, the therapeutic regime of the first user relating to a health condition of the first user; a user datastore arranged to store information on a plurality of second users; a monitor mechanism arranged to monitor the first user to determine if the first user performs a therapeutic activity for which therapeutic activity information is stored in the therapeutic regime datastore and to produce an adherence result for that therapeutic activity based on the determination; an output mechanism arranged to output information to the second users regarding the adherence result; a receiver mechanism arranged to receive messages from the second users to the first user relating to the adherence result; a ranking processor arranged to assign a ranking score to each of the second users, with the ranking score relating to the likely influence between a said second user and the first user; wherein the output mechanism is arranged to output one or more messages from the second users to the first user in consideration of the ranking scores. 2. A system according to claim 1, wherein the ranking score relates to the likely influence of the said second user on the adherence of the first user to the therapeutic regime. 3. A system according to claim 1, wherein the monitor mechanism is arranged to determine if the therapeutic activity is subsequently performed by the first user following the output of a said message from one of the second users;
wherein the user datastore is arranged to store information on which second users' messages are effective in causing the therapeutic activity to be performed following the output of the messages; and wherein the ranking processor is arranged to assign higher ranking scores to those second users whose messages are effective in causing the therapeutic activity to be performed following the output of the messages. 4. A system according to claim 1, wherein the user datastore is arranged to store information on the relationships between the plurality of second users and the first user, and wherein the ranking processor is arranged to assign higher ranking scores to those second users with closer relationships to the first user; and/or
wherein the user datastore is arranged to store information on location proximity between the plurality of second users and the first user, and wherein the ranking processor is arranged to assign higher ranking scores to those second users who are near to the first user; and/or wherein the user datastore is arranged to store information on the frequency of contact between the each of the second users and the first user, and wherein the ranking processor is arranged to assign higher ranking scores to those second users with more frequent contact with the first user; and/or wherein the user datastore is arranged to store information on health conditions of the second users, and wherein the ranking processor is arranged to assign higher ranking scores to those second users with similar health conditions to the health condition of the first user; and/or wherein the user datastore is arranged to store information on therapeutic activities carried out by the second users, and the ranking processor is arranged to assign higher ranking scores to those second users who carry out similar therapeutic activities to the therapeutic activity of the first user. 5. A system according to claim 1, wherein the monitor mechanism is arranged to determine how long the first user spends viewing messages from each of the second users, and to store this information in the user datastore; and
wherein the ranking processor is arranged to assign higher ranking scores to those second users whose messages are viewed for longer by the first user. 6. A system according to claim 1, further comprising:
a user input arranged to receive an input from the user indicating how useful the first user found each message from the second users in aiding adherence to the therapeutic regime, wherein said input is used in the determining of the ranking scores. 7. A system according to claim 1, wherein the ranking processor is arranged to assign different ranking scores to the second users depending on the nature of the adherence result. 8. A system according to claim 1, wherein the ranking processor is arranged to assign different ranking scores to the second users depending on the content of the messages sent by the second users. 9. A system according to claim 1, wherein the ranking processor is arranged to compare the ranking scores of those second users for which messages are received with a stored threshold, and
wherein if the ranking scores of those second users for which messages are received are below the stored threshold, the output mechanism is arranged to output a message prompt to second users whose ranking scores are above the stored threshold; optionally wherein following the output of the message prompt, if no messages are received from those second users whose ranking scores are above the stored threshold within a predetermined time window, the output mechanism is arranged to output a further message prompt to those second users whose ranking scores are above the stored threshold. 10. A system according to claim 1, further comprising:
an activity datastore arranged to store non-therapeutic activity information comprising information on non-therapeutic activities that are considered to have an effect on the impact of the message; wherein the monitor mechanism is arranged to monitor the user to determine if the user is performing one or more non-therapeutic activities for which non-therapeutic activity information is stored in the activity datastore and to produce a monitoring result based on the determination; wherein the ranking processor is arranged to determine when to send the first user the one or more messages from the second users based on the monitoring result, wherein the ranking processor is arranged to compare the monitoring result to a stored parameter; wherein the output mechanism is arranged to time the output the one or more messages from the second users to the first user on the basis of the comparison of the monitoring result and the stored parameter; optionally wherein the impact of the message relates to the likelihood of the first user performing the therapeutic activity. 11. A system according to claim 10, wherein the stored parameter is a threshold, and the output mechanism is arranged to output the one or more messages from the second users to the first user when the monitoring result meets or exceeds the threshold. 12. A system according to claim 10, wherein the monitor mechanism is arranged to monitor each activity in the activity information, and to assign an activity score based on whether that activity is being performed;
optionally wherein the monitoring result is the sum of the activity scores, further optionally wherein the monitor mechanism is arranged to assign different weight values to different activities scores. 13. A system according to claim 1, wherein the output mechanism comprises a number of devices capable of outputting the messages to the first user, and wherein the ranking processor is arranged to determine which of the said devices to use to output each message to the user based on the therapeutic activity to which each message relates to. 14. A system according to claim 1, wherein the ranking processor is arranged to use the communications method used by the second users to send messages to the first user in the ranking. 15. A system according to claim 14, wherein the therapeutic regime datastore is arranged to store information relating to a psychological profile of the first user, and wherein the ranking processor is arranged to use the psychological profile of the first user to rank the second users. | A system for messaging users is provided that comprises a therapeutic regime datastore arranged to store therapeutic activity information including information on therapeutic activities forming part of a therapeutic regime of a first user, the therapeutic regime of the first user relating to a health condition of the first user and a user datastore arranged to store information on a plurality of second users. A monitor mechanism is provided to monitor the first user to determine if the first user performs a therapeutic activity for which therapeutic activity information is stored in the therapeutic regime datastore and to produce an adherence result for that therapeutic activity based on the determination. An output mechanism is provided to output information to the second users regarding the adherence result, and a receiver mechanism is provided to receive messages from the second users to the first user relating to the adherence result. A ranking processor is provided to assign a ranking score to each of the second users, with the ranking score relating to the likely influence between a said second user and the first user. The output mechanism is arranged to output one or more messages from the second users to the first user in consideration of the ranking scores.1. A system for messaging, the system comprising:
a therapeutic regime datastore arranged to store therapeutic activity information including information on therapeutic activities forming part of a therapeutic regime of a first user, the therapeutic regime of the first user relating to a health condition of the first user; a user datastore arranged to store information on a plurality of second users; a monitor mechanism arranged to monitor the first user to determine if the first user performs a therapeutic activity for which therapeutic activity information is stored in the therapeutic regime datastore and to produce an adherence result for that therapeutic activity based on the determination; an output mechanism arranged to output information to the second users regarding the adherence result; a receiver mechanism arranged to receive messages from the second users to the first user relating to the adherence result; a ranking processor arranged to assign a ranking score to each of the second users, with the ranking score relating to the likely influence between a said second user and the first user; wherein the output mechanism is arranged to output one or more messages from the second users to the first user in consideration of the ranking scores. 2. A system according to claim 1, wherein the ranking score relates to the likely influence of the said second user on the adherence of the first user to the therapeutic regime. 3. A system according to claim 1, wherein the monitor mechanism is arranged to determine if the therapeutic activity is subsequently performed by the first user following the output of a said message from one of the second users;
wherein the user datastore is arranged to store information on which second users' messages are effective in causing the therapeutic activity to be performed following the output of the messages; and wherein the ranking processor is arranged to assign higher ranking scores to those second users whose messages are effective in causing the therapeutic activity to be performed following the output of the messages. 4. A system according to claim 1, wherein the user datastore is arranged to store information on the relationships between the plurality of second users and the first user, and wherein the ranking processor is arranged to assign higher ranking scores to those second users with closer relationships to the first user; and/or
wherein the user datastore is arranged to store information on location proximity between the plurality of second users and the first user, and wherein the ranking processor is arranged to assign higher ranking scores to those second users who are near to the first user; and/or wherein the user datastore is arranged to store information on the frequency of contact between the each of the second users and the first user, and wherein the ranking processor is arranged to assign higher ranking scores to those second users with more frequent contact with the first user; and/or wherein the user datastore is arranged to store information on health conditions of the second users, and wherein the ranking processor is arranged to assign higher ranking scores to those second users with similar health conditions to the health condition of the first user; and/or wherein the user datastore is arranged to store information on therapeutic activities carried out by the second users, and the ranking processor is arranged to assign higher ranking scores to those second users who carry out similar therapeutic activities to the therapeutic activity of the first user. 5. A system according to claim 1, wherein the monitor mechanism is arranged to determine how long the first user spends viewing messages from each of the second users, and to store this information in the user datastore; and
wherein the ranking processor is arranged to assign higher ranking scores to those second users whose messages are viewed for longer by the first user. 6. A system according to claim 1, further comprising:
a user input arranged to receive an input from the user indicating how useful the first user found each message from the second users in aiding adherence to the therapeutic regime, wherein said input is used in the determining of the ranking scores. 7. A system according to claim 1, wherein the ranking processor is arranged to assign different ranking scores to the second users depending on the nature of the adherence result. 8. A system according to claim 1, wherein the ranking processor is arranged to assign different ranking scores to the second users depending on the content of the messages sent by the second users. 9. A system according to claim 1, wherein the ranking processor is arranged to compare the ranking scores of those second users for which messages are received with a stored threshold, and
wherein if the ranking scores of those second users for which messages are received are below the stored threshold, the output mechanism is arranged to output a message prompt to second users whose ranking scores are above the stored threshold; optionally wherein following the output of the message prompt, if no messages are received from those second users whose ranking scores are above the stored threshold within a predetermined time window, the output mechanism is arranged to output a further message prompt to those second users whose ranking scores are above the stored threshold. 10. A system according to claim 1, further comprising:
an activity datastore arranged to store non-therapeutic activity information comprising information on non-therapeutic activities that are considered to have an effect on the impact of the message; wherein the monitor mechanism is arranged to monitor the user to determine if the user is performing one or more non-therapeutic activities for which non-therapeutic activity information is stored in the activity datastore and to produce a monitoring result based on the determination; wherein the ranking processor is arranged to determine when to send the first user the one or more messages from the second users based on the monitoring result, wherein the ranking processor is arranged to compare the monitoring result to a stored parameter; wherein the output mechanism is arranged to time the output the one or more messages from the second users to the first user on the basis of the comparison of the monitoring result and the stored parameter; optionally wherein the impact of the message relates to the likelihood of the first user performing the therapeutic activity. 11. A system according to claim 10, wherein the stored parameter is a threshold, and the output mechanism is arranged to output the one or more messages from the second users to the first user when the monitoring result meets or exceeds the threshold. 12. A system according to claim 10, wherein the monitor mechanism is arranged to monitor each activity in the activity information, and to assign an activity score based on whether that activity is being performed;
optionally wherein the monitoring result is the sum of the activity scores, further optionally wherein the monitor mechanism is arranged to assign different weight values to different activities scores. 13. A system according to claim 1, wherein the output mechanism comprises a number of devices capable of outputting the messages to the first user, and wherein the ranking processor is arranged to determine which of the said devices to use to output each message to the user based on the therapeutic activity to which each message relates to. 14. A system according to claim 1, wherein the ranking processor is arranged to use the communications method used by the second users to send messages to the first user in the ranking. 15. A system according to claim 14, wherein the therapeutic regime datastore is arranged to store information relating to a psychological profile of the first user, and wherein the ranking processor is arranged to use the psychological profile of the first user to rank the second users. | 3,600 |
12,793 | 12,793 | 14,315,257 | 3,627 | Described herein are apparatus and methods for collecting and manipulating transaction data. For example, presented herein is an apparatus including: a first I/O port configured for connection to a point of sale device; a second I/O port configured for connection to a transaction recording device, wherein, as identified to the point of sale device, the apparatus is a proxy for the transaction recording device, and as identified to the transaction recording device, the apparatus is a proxy for the point of sale device, in at least a first operating mode; a processor; and a non-transitory computer readable medium storing instructions thereon, wherein the instructions, when executed, cause the processor to, upon connection of the first I/O port to the point of sale device and connection of the second I/O port to the transaction recording device: intercept information passed from the point of sale device connected to the first I/O port; identify, from the intercepted information, a particular type of data stream; after identifying the particular type of data stream, collect, from the intercepted data, data associated with the identified data stream; identify, from the data associated with the identified data stream, transaction data; and provide (e.g., to an external computing device) the transaction data. | 1. An apparatus comprising:
a first I/O port configured for connection to a point of sale device; a second I/O port configured for connection to a transaction recording device (e.g., purchase recording device), wherein, as identified to the point of sale device, the apparatus is a proxy for (e.g., is viewed as) the transaction recording device, and as identified to the transaction recording device, the apparatus is a proxy for (e.g., is viewed as) the point of sale device, in at least a first operating mode; a processor; and a non-transitory computer readable medium storing instructions thereon, wherein the instructions, when executed, cause the processor to, upon connection of the first I/O port to the point of sale device and connection of the second I/O port to the transaction recording device:
intercept information passed from the point of sale device connected to the first I/O port {and, optionally, pass the intercepted information (e.g., either unmodified or modified) to the transaction recording device via the second I/O port};
identify, from the intercepted information, a particular type of data stream;
after identifying the particular type of data stream, collect, from the intercepted data, data associated with the identified data stream;
identify, from the data associated with the identified data stream, transaction data; and
provide (e.g., to an external computing device) the transaction data. 2. An apparatus comprising:
a non-transitory computer readable medium storing instructions thereon, wherein the instructions, when executed, cause the processor to:
intercept information passed from a point of sale device to a transaction recording device (e.g., a purchase recording device) {and, optionally, pass the intercepted information (e.g., either unmodified or modified) to the transaction recording device};
identify, from the intercepted information, a particular type of data stream;
after identifying the particular type of data stream, collect, from the intercepted data, data associated with the identified data stream;
identify, from the data associated with the identified data stream, transaction data; and
provide (e.g., to an external computing device) the transaction data. 3. An apparatus comprising:
a first I/O port configured for connection to a point of sale device; a second I/O port configured for connection to a card accepting terminal, wherein, as identified to the point of sale device, the apparatus is a proxy for (e.g., is viewed as) the card accepting terminal, and as identified to the card accepting terminal, the apparatus is a proxy for (e.g., is viewed as) the point of sale device, in at least a first operating mode; a processor; and a non-transitory computer readable medium storing instructions thereon, wherein the instructions, when executed, cause the processor to, upon connection of the first I/O port to the point of sale device and connection of the second I/O port to the card accepting terminal:
intercept information passed from the point of sale device connected to the first I/O port to the card accepting terminal connected to the second I/O port {and, optionally, pass the intercepted information (e.g., either unmodified or modified) to the card accepting terminal},
identify, from the information, a particular type of data stream;
after identifying the particular type of data stream, collect, from the intercepted information, data associated with the identified data stream,
identify, from the data associated with the identified data stream, transaction data (e.g., total purchase amount); and
provide, to an external computing device, the transaction data. 4. An apparatus comprising:
a non-transitory computer readable medium storing instructions thereon, wherein the instructions, when executed, cause the processor to:
intercept information passed from a point of sale device to a card accepting terminal {and, optionally, pass the intercepted information (e.g., either unmodified or modified) to the card accepting terminal},
identify, from the information, a particular type of data stream;
after identifying the particular type of data stream, collect, from the intercepted information, data associated with the identified data stream,
identify, from the data associated with the identified data stream, transaction data (e.g., total purchase amount); and
provide (e.g., to an external computing device) the transaction data. 5. An apparatus comprising:
a first I/O port configured for connection to a point of sale device; a second I/O port configured for connection to a transaction recording device (e.g., a purchase recording device), wherein, as identified to the point of sale device, the apparatus is a proxy for (e.g., is viewed as) the transaction recording device, and as identified to the transaction recording device, the apparatus is a proxy for (e.g., is viewed as) the point of sale device, in at least a first operating mode; a processor; and a non-transitory computer readable medium storing instructions thereon, wherein the instructions, when executed, cause the processor to:
intercept information passed from the point of sale device connected to the first I/O port to the transaction recording device connected to the second I/O port {and, optionally, pass the intercepted information (e.g., either unmodified or modified) to the transaction recording device},
identify, from the intercepted information, a particular type of data stream;
after identifying the particular type of data stream, collect, from the intercepted data, data associated with the identified data stream,
identify, from the data associated with the identified data stream, transaction data;
identify, from the transaction data, a qualifying offer corresponding to the transaction data (e.g., an offer corresponding to the purchase of a particular item or a purchase of at least a threshold dollar amount); and
automatically apply the offer to an electronic account of a user (e.g., a member of a loyalty program), wherein the electronic account of the user is identified at the point of sale device. 6. A non-transitory computer readable medium storing instructions thereon, wherein the instructions, when executed, cause the processor to:
intercept information passed from a point of sale device to a transaction recording device (e.g., purchase recording device) {and, optionally, pass the intercepted information (e.g., either unmodified or modified) to the transaction recording device}, identify, from the intercepted information, a particular type of data stream; after identifying the particular type of data stream, collect, from the intercepted data, data associated with the identified data stream, identify, from the data associated with the identified data stream, transaction data; identify, from the transaction data, a qualifying offer corresponding to the transaction data (e.g., an offer corresponding to the purchase of a particular item or a purchase of at least a threshold dollar amount); and automatically apply the offer to an electronic account of a user (e.g., a member of a loyalty program), wherein the electronic account of the user is identified at the point of sale device. 7. An apparatus comprising:
a first I/O port configured for connection to a point of sale device; a second I/O port configured for connection to a card accepting terminal, wherein the second I/O port is connected to the first I/O port such that data passed into the first I/O port is allowed to pass through the apparatus to the second I/O port unimpeded in at least a first operating mode; a processor; and a non-transitory computer readable medium storing instructions thereon, wherein the instructions, when executed, cause the processor to, upon connection of the first I/O port to the point of sale device and connection of the second I/O port to the card accepting terminal:
extract information passed from the point of sale device connected to the first I/O port to the card accepting terminal connected to the second I/O port while the information passes unimpeded to the card accepting terminal,
identify, from the information, a particular type of data stream;
after identifying the particular type of data stream, collect, from further information passed from the point of sale device to the card accepting terminal, data associated with the identified data stream,
identify, from the data associated with the identified data stream, transaction data (e.g., total purchase amount); and
provide, to an external computing device, the transaction data. 8. The apparatus of claim 7, further comprising a third I/O port, wherein the third I/O port is configured for connection to the external computing device, and providing the transaction data comprises transmitting the transaction data via the third I/O port. 9. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the first I/O port is of the same type as the second I/O port. 10. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the card accepting terminal is an integrated circuit (IC) card capable terminal. 11. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the card accepting terminal is an EMV-compliant credit/debit card payment terminal. 12. The apparatus of claim 7, further comprising a communication port, wherein the communication port is configured to connect to a network communications device, and providing the transaction data comprises transmitting the transaction data via the network communications device. 13. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the network communications device comprises one of a modem, a router, a hub, and a gateway. 14. The apparatus of claim 7, further comprising an antenna, wherein providing the transaction data comprises transmitting the transaction data via the antenna. 15. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein a connection between the second I/O port and the first I/O port is configured to pass data through the apparatus while the apparatus is disconnected from all power sources. 16. The apparatus of claim 7, further comprising a third I/O port and a fourth I/O port, wherein the fourth I/O port is connected to the third I/O port such that data passed into the third I/O port is allowed to pass through the apparatus to the fourth I/O port unimpeded in at least a first operating mode, and each of the third I/O port and the fourth I/O port comprises a USB connector. 17. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein, in a second operating mode, the instructions cause the processor to buffer at least a portion of the data received at the first I/O port, and forward at least a portion of the buffered data to card accepting terminal via the second I/O port. 18. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein, in the second operating mode, the instructions cause the processor to introduce injection data to the card accepting terminal via the second I/O port prior to forwarding the at least a portion of the buffered data. 19. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein buffering the portion of the data comprises temporarily storing the portion of the data in a buffer region of a storage medium. 20. The apparatus of claim 19, wherein the non-transitory computer readable medium comprises the storage medium. 21. A system comprising:
a first data extraction device comprising:
a first I/O port configured for connection to a point of sale device;
a second I/O port configured for connection to a card accepting terminal, wherein the second I/O port is connected to the first I/O port such that data passed into the first I/O port is allowed to pass through the first data extraction device to the second I/O port unimpeded in at least a first operating mode;
a communications channel configured for communication with a computing device, wherein the computing device is configured to collect transaction data extracted by the first data extraction device;
a second data extraction device comprising:
a third I/O port configured for connection to the point of sale device;
a fourth I/O port configured for connection to a transaction recording device (e.g., purchase recording device, such as a printer), wherein the fourth I/O port is connected to the third I/O port such that data passed into the third I/O port is allowed to pass through the second data extraction device to the fourth I/O port unimpeded in at least a first operating mode;
a communications channel configured for communicating with the computing device, wherein the computing device is configured to collect transaction data extracted by the second data extraction device;
a processor; and a non-transitory computer readable medium storing instructions thereon, wherein the instructions, when executed, cause the processor to, upon connection of the first I/O port to the point of sale device, connection of the second I/O port to the card accepting terminal, connection of the third I/O port to the point of sale device, and connection of the fourth I/O port to the transaction recording device:
extract information passed from the point of sale device connected to the first I/O port to the card accepting terminal connected to the second I/O port while the information passes unimpeded to the card accepting terminal,
extract information passed from the point of sale device connected to the third I/O port to the transaction recording device connected to the fourth I/O port while the information passes unimpeded to the transaction recording device,
provide at least a portion of the extracted information passed to the card accepting terminal and at least a portion of the extracted information passed to the transaction recording device to the computing device. 22. An apparatus comprising:
a non-transitory computer readable medium storing instructions thereon, wherein the instructions, when executed, cause the processor to:
extract information passed from a point of sale device to a card accepting terminal while the information passes unimpeded to the card accepting terminal;
identify, from the information, a particular type of data stream;
after identifying the particular type of data stream, collect, from the intercepted information, data associated with the identified data stream,
identify, from the data associated with the identified data stream, transaction data (e.g., total purchase amount); and
provide (e.g., to an external computing device) the transaction data. 23. An apparatus comprising:
a non-transitory computer readable medium storing instructions thereon, wherein the instructions, when executed, cause the processor to:
extract information passed from a point of sale device to a purchase recording device while the information passes unimpeded to the purchase recording device,
identify, from the information, a particular type of data stream;
after identifying the particular type of data stream, collect, from further information passed from the point of sale device to the purchase recording device, data associated with the identified data stream,
identify, from the data associated with the identified data stream, transaction data; and
provide, to an external computing device, the transaction data. 24. The apparatus of claim 23, wherein the processor is a processor of a computing device functioning as the point of sale device. 25. An apparatus comprising:
a first I/O port configured for connection to a point of sale device; a second I/O port configured for connection to a card accepting terminal, wherein the second I/O port is connected to the first I/O port such that data passed into the first I/O port is allowed to pass through the apparatus to the second I/O port unimpeded in at least a first operating mode; a processor; and a non-transitory computer readable medium storing instructions thereon, wherein the instructions, when executed, cause the processor to, upon connection of the first I/O port to the point of sale device and connection of the second I/O port to the card accepting terminal:
extract information passed from the point of sale device connected to the first I/O port to the card accepting terminal connected to the second I/O port while the information passes unimpeded to the card accepting terminal,
identify, from the information, a particular type of data stream;
after identifying the particular type of data stream, collect, from further information passed from the point of sale device to the card accepting terminal, data associated with the identified data stream,
identify, from the data associated with the identified data stream, transaction data;
identify, from the transaction data, a qualifying offer corresponding to the transaction data (e.g., an offer corresponding to the purchase of a particular item or a purchase of at least a threshold dollar amount); and
automatically apply the offer to an electronic account of a user (e.g., a member of a loyalty program), wherein the electronic account of the user is identified at the point of sale device or loyalty terminal. 26. An apparatus comprising:
a non-transitory computer readable medium storing instructions thereon, wherein the instructions, when executed, cause the processor to:
extract information passed from a point of sale device to a purchase recording device while the information passes unimpeded to the purchase recording device,
identify, from the information, a particular type of data stream;
after identifying the particular type of data stream, collect, from further information passed from the point of sale device to the purchase recording device, data associated with the identified data stream,
identify, from the data associated with the identified data stream, transaction data;
identify, from the transaction data, a qualifying offer corresponding to the transaction data (e.g., an offer corresponding to the purchase of a particular item or a purchase of at least a threshold dollar amount); and
automatically apply the offer to an electronic account of a user (e.g., a member of a loyalty program), wherein the electronic account of the user is identified at the point of sale device. 27. A method of redeeming rewards and/or reward points accumulated in a user reward account, the method comprising:
receiving, at a point of sale, indicia of a reward item (e.g., code) or number of reward points to be redeemed from the user reward account, said indicia being part of (or the whole of) transaction data; identifying, via an apparatus or system of any one of the preceding claims (e.g., an intermediary between the point of sale and a purchase recording device), from the transaction data, the indicia of the reward item or number of reward points; and deducting, from the user account, credit(s) and/or a number of points from the user reward account corresponding to the reward item received or the reward points redeemed. 28. The method of claim 27, further comprising the step of verifying the user reward account has sufficient credit(s) and/or points prior to authorization of the reward redemption and/or prior to deduction from the user account, the credit(s) and/or points corresponding to the reward item received or the reward points redeemed. | Described herein are apparatus and methods for collecting and manipulating transaction data. For example, presented herein is an apparatus including: a first I/O port configured for connection to a point of sale device; a second I/O port configured for connection to a transaction recording device, wherein, as identified to the point of sale device, the apparatus is a proxy for the transaction recording device, and as identified to the transaction recording device, the apparatus is a proxy for the point of sale device, in at least a first operating mode; a processor; and a non-transitory computer readable medium storing instructions thereon, wherein the instructions, when executed, cause the processor to, upon connection of the first I/O port to the point of sale device and connection of the second I/O port to the transaction recording device: intercept information passed from the point of sale device connected to the first I/O port; identify, from the intercepted information, a particular type of data stream; after identifying the particular type of data stream, collect, from the intercepted data, data associated with the identified data stream; identify, from the data associated with the identified data stream, transaction data; and provide (e.g., to an external computing device) the transaction data.1. An apparatus comprising:
a first I/O port configured for connection to a point of sale device; a second I/O port configured for connection to a transaction recording device (e.g., purchase recording device), wherein, as identified to the point of sale device, the apparatus is a proxy for (e.g., is viewed as) the transaction recording device, and as identified to the transaction recording device, the apparatus is a proxy for (e.g., is viewed as) the point of sale device, in at least a first operating mode; a processor; and a non-transitory computer readable medium storing instructions thereon, wherein the instructions, when executed, cause the processor to, upon connection of the first I/O port to the point of sale device and connection of the second I/O port to the transaction recording device:
intercept information passed from the point of sale device connected to the first I/O port {and, optionally, pass the intercepted information (e.g., either unmodified or modified) to the transaction recording device via the second I/O port};
identify, from the intercepted information, a particular type of data stream;
after identifying the particular type of data stream, collect, from the intercepted data, data associated with the identified data stream;
identify, from the data associated with the identified data stream, transaction data; and
provide (e.g., to an external computing device) the transaction data. 2. An apparatus comprising:
a non-transitory computer readable medium storing instructions thereon, wherein the instructions, when executed, cause the processor to:
intercept information passed from a point of sale device to a transaction recording device (e.g., a purchase recording device) {and, optionally, pass the intercepted information (e.g., either unmodified or modified) to the transaction recording device};
identify, from the intercepted information, a particular type of data stream;
after identifying the particular type of data stream, collect, from the intercepted data, data associated with the identified data stream;
identify, from the data associated with the identified data stream, transaction data; and
provide (e.g., to an external computing device) the transaction data. 3. An apparatus comprising:
a first I/O port configured for connection to a point of sale device; a second I/O port configured for connection to a card accepting terminal, wherein, as identified to the point of sale device, the apparatus is a proxy for (e.g., is viewed as) the card accepting terminal, and as identified to the card accepting terminal, the apparatus is a proxy for (e.g., is viewed as) the point of sale device, in at least a first operating mode; a processor; and a non-transitory computer readable medium storing instructions thereon, wherein the instructions, when executed, cause the processor to, upon connection of the first I/O port to the point of sale device and connection of the second I/O port to the card accepting terminal:
intercept information passed from the point of sale device connected to the first I/O port to the card accepting terminal connected to the second I/O port {and, optionally, pass the intercepted information (e.g., either unmodified or modified) to the card accepting terminal},
identify, from the information, a particular type of data stream;
after identifying the particular type of data stream, collect, from the intercepted information, data associated with the identified data stream,
identify, from the data associated with the identified data stream, transaction data (e.g., total purchase amount); and
provide, to an external computing device, the transaction data. 4. An apparatus comprising:
a non-transitory computer readable medium storing instructions thereon, wherein the instructions, when executed, cause the processor to:
intercept information passed from a point of sale device to a card accepting terminal {and, optionally, pass the intercepted information (e.g., either unmodified or modified) to the card accepting terminal},
identify, from the information, a particular type of data stream;
after identifying the particular type of data stream, collect, from the intercepted information, data associated with the identified data stream,
identify, from the data associated with the identified data stream, transaction data (e.g., total purchase amount); and
provide (e.g., to an external computing device) the transaction data. 5. An apparatus comprising:
a first I/O port configured for connection to a point of sale device; a second I/O port configured for connection to a transaction recording device (e.g., a purchase recording device), wherein, as identified to the point of sale device, the apparatus is a proxy for (e.g., is viewed as) the transaction recording device, and as identified to the transaction recording device, the apparatus is a proxy for (e.g., is viewed as) the point of sale device, in at least a first operating mode; a processor; and a non-transitory computer readable medium storing instructions thereon, wherein the instructions, when executed, cause the processor to:
intercept information passed from the point of sale device connected to the first I/O port to the transaction recording device connected to the second I/O port {and, optionally, pass the intercepted information (e.g., either unmodified or modified) to the transaction recording device},
identify, from the intercepted information, a particular type of data stream;
after identifying the particular type of data stream, collect, from the intercepted data, data associated with the identified data stream,
identify, from the data associated with the identified data stream, transaction data;
identify, from the transaction data, a qualifying offer corresponding to the transaction data (e.g., an offer corresponding to the purchase of a particular item or a purchase of at least a threshold dollar amount); and
automatically apply the offer to an electronic account of a user (e.g., a member of a loyalty program), wherein the electronic account of the user is identified at the point of sale device. 6. A non-transitory computer readable medium storing instructions thereon, wherein the instructions, when executed, cause the processor to:
intercept information passed from a point of sale device to a transaction recording device (e.g., purchase recording device) {and, optionally, pass the intercepted information (e.g., either unmodified or modified) to the transaction recording device}, identify, from the intercepted information, a particular type of data stream; after identifying the particular type of data stream, collect, from the intercepted data, data associated with the identified data stream, identify, from the data associated with the identified data stream, transaction data; identify, from the transaction data, a qualifying offer corresponding to the transaction data (e.g., an offer corresponding to the purchase of a particular item or a purchase of at least a threshold dollar amount); and automatically apply the offer to an electronic account of a user (e.g., a member of a loyalty program), wherein the electronic account of the user is identified at the point of sale device. 7. An apparatus comprising:
a first I/O port configured for connection to a point of sale device; a second I/O port configured for connection to a card accepting terminal, wherein the second I/O port is connected to the first I/O port such that data passed into the first I/O port is allowed to pass through the apparatus to the second I/O port unimpeded in at least a first operating mode; a processor; and a non-transitory computer readable medium storing instructions thereon, wherein the instructions, when executed, cause the processor to, upon connection of the first I/O port to the point of sale device and connection of the second I/O port to the card accepting terminal:
extract information passed from the point of sale device connected to the first I/O port to the card accepting terminal connected to the second I/O port while the information passes unimpeded to the card accepting terminal,
identify, from the information, a particular type of data stream;
after identifying the particular type of data stream, collect, from further information passed from the point of sale device to the card accepting terminal, data associated with the identified data stream,
identify, from the data associated with the identified data stream, transaction data (e.g., total purchase amount); and
provide, to an external computing device, the transaction data. 8. The apparatus of claim 7, further comprising a third I/O port, wherein the third I/O port is configured for connection to the external computing device, and providing the transaction data comprises transmitting the transaction data via the third I/O port. 9. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the first I/O port is of the same type as the second I/O port. 10. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the card accepting terminal is an integrated circuit (IC) card capable terminal. 11. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the card accepting terminal is an EMV-compliant credit/debit card payment terminal. 12. The apparatus of claim 7, further comprising a communication port, wherein the communication port is configured to connect to a network communications device, and providing the transaction data comprises transmitting the transaction data via the network communications device. 13. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the network communications device comprises one of a modem, a router, a hub, and a gateway. 14. The apparatus of claim 7, further comprising an antenna, wherein providing the transaction data comprises transmitting the transaction data via the antenna. 15. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein a connection between the second I/O port and the first I/O port is configured to pass data through the apparatus while the apparatus is disconnected from all power sources. 16. The apparatus of claim 7, further comprising a third I/O port and a fourth I/O port, wherein the fourth I/O port is connected to the third I/O port such that data passed into the third I/O port is allowed to pass through the apparatus to the fourth I/O port unimpeded in at least a first operating mode, and each of the third I/O port and the fourth I/O port comprises a USB connector. 17. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein, in a second operating mode, the instructions cause the processor to buffer at least a portion of the data received at the first I/O port, and forward at least a portion of the buffered data to card accepting terminal via the second I/O port. 18. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein, in the second operating mode, the instructions cause the processor to introduce injection data to the card accepting terminal via the second I/O port prior to forwarding the at least a portion of the buffered data. 19. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein buffering the portion of the data comprises temporarily storing the portion of the data in a buffer region of a storage medium. 20. The apparatus of claim 19, wherein the non-transitory computer readable medium comprises the storage medium. 21. A system comprising:
a first data extraction device comprising:
a first I/O port configured for connection to a point of sale device;
a second I/O port configured for connection to a card accepting terminal, wherein the second I/O port is connected to the first I/O port such that data passed into the first I/O port is allowed to pass through the first data extraction device to the second I/O port unimpeded in at least a first operating mode;
a communications channel configured for communication with a computing device, wherein the computing device is configured to collect transaction data extracted by the first data extraction device;
a second data extraction device comprising:
a third I/O port configured for connection to the point of sale device;
a fourth I/O port configured for connection to a transaction recording device (e.g., purchase recording device, such as a printer), wherein the fourth I/O port is connected to the third I/O port such that data passed into the third I/O port is allowed to pass through the second data extraction device to the fourth I/O port unimpeded in at least a first operating mode;
a communications channel configured for communicating with the computing device, wherein the computing device is configured to collect transaction data extracted by the second data extraction device;
a processor; and a non-transitory computer readable medium storing instructions thereon, wherein the instructions, when executed, cause the processor to, upon connection of the first I/O port to the point of sale device, connection of the second I/O port to the card accepting terminal, connection of the third I/O port to the point of sale device, and connection of the fourth I/O port to the transaction recording device:
extract information passed from the point of sale device connected to the first I/O port to the card accepting terminal connected to the second I/O port while the information passes unimpeded to the card accepting terminal,
extract information passed from the point of sale device connected to the third I/O port to the transaction recording device connected to the fourth I/O port while the information passes unimpeded to the transaction recording device,
provide at least a portion of the extracted information passed to the card accepting terminal and at least a portion of the extracted information passed to the transaction recording device to the computing device. 22. An apparatus comprising:
a non-transitory computer readable medium storing instructions thereon, wherein the instructions, when executed, cause the processor to:
extract information passed from a point of sale device to a card accepting terminal while the information passes unimpeded to the card accepting terminal;
identify, from the information, a particular type of data stream;
after identifying the particular type of data stream, collect, from the intercepted information, data associated with the identified data stream,
identify, from the data associated with the identified data stream, transaction data (e.g., total purchase amount); and
provide (e.g., to an external computing device) the transaction data. 23. An apparatus comprising:
a non-transitory computer readable medium storing instructions thereon, wherein the instructions, when executed, cause the processor to:
extract information passed from a point of sale device to a purchase recording device while the information passes unimpeded to the purchase recording device,
identify, from the information, a particular type of data stream;
after identifying the particular type of data stream, collect, from further information passed from the point of sale device to the purchase recording device, data associated with the identified data stream,
identify, from the data associated with the identified data stream, transaction data; and
provide, to an external computing device, the transaction data. 24. The apparatus of claim 23, wherein the processor is a processor of a computing device functioning as the point of sale device. 25. An apparatus comprising:
a first I/O port configured for connection to a point of sale device; a second I/O port configured for connection to a card accepting terminal, wherein the second I/O port is connected to the first I/O port such that data passed into the first I/O port is allowed to pass through the apparatus to the second I/O port unimpeded in at least a first operating mode; a processor; and a non-transitory computer readable medium storing instructions thereon, wherein the instructions, when executed, cause the processor to, upon connection of the first I/O port to the point of sale device and connection of the second I/O port to the card accepting terminal:
extract information passed from the point of sale device connected to the first I/O port to the card accepting terminal connected to the second I/O port while the information passes unimpeded to the card accepting terminal,
identify, from the information, a particular type of data stream;
after identifying the particular type of data stream, collect, from further information passed from the point of sale device to the card accepting terminal, data associated with the identified data stream,
identify, from the data associated with the identified data stream, transaction data;
identify, from the transaction data, a qualifying offer corresponding to the transaction data (e.g., an offer corresponding to the purchase of a particular item or a purchase of at least a threshold dollar amount); and
automatically apply the offer to an electronic account of a user (e.g., a member of a loyalty program), wherein the electronic account of the user is identified at the point of sale device or loyalty terminal. 26. An apparatus comprising:
a non-transitory computer readable medium storing instructions thereon, wherein the instructions, when executed, cause the processor to:
extract information passed from a point of sale device to a purchase recording device while the information passes unimpeded to the purchase recording device,
identify, from the information, a particular type of data stream;
after identifying the particular type of data stream, collect, from further information passed from the point of sale device to the purchase recording device, data associated with the identified data stream,
identify, from the data associated with the identified data stream, transaction data;
identify, from the transaction data, a qualifying offer corresponding to the transaction data (e.g., an offer corresponding to the purchase of a particular item or a purchase of at least a threshold dollar amount); and
automatically apply the offer to an electronic account of a user (e.g., a member of a loyalty program), wherein the electronic account of the user is identified at the point of sale device. 27. A method of redeeming rewards and/or reward points accumulated in a user reward account, the method comprising:
receiving, at a point of sale, indicia of a reward item (e.g., code) or number of reward points to be redeemed from the user reward account, said indicia being part of (or the whole of) transaction data; identifying, via an apparatus or system of any one of the preceding claims (e.g., an intermediary between the point of sale and a purchase recording device), from the transaction data, the indicia of the reward item or number of reward points; and deducting, from the user account, credit(s) and/or a number of points from the user reward account corresponding to the reward item received or the reward points redeemed. 28. The method of claim 27, further comprising the step of verifying the user reward account has sufficient credit(s) and/or points prior to authorization of the reward redemption and/or prior to deduction from the user account, the credit(s) and/or points corresponding to the reward item received or the reward points redeemed. | 3,600 |
12,794 | 12,794 | 14,642,292 | 3,629 | Systems and methods are provided for compliance and announcement display and notification. | 1. A computer implemented method for labor law compliance information display and notification, the method comprising:
locating one or more electronic sources of labor law compliance information; automatically generating a list of computer links to one or more of the electronic sources based on predetermined criteria associated with the labor law compliance information; downloading over a network, utilizing the generated list of links, labor law compliance information comprising data posting and notification requirements for a physical location, wherein the labor law compliance information comprises information an employer is required to publicly post in compliance with governmental regulatory requirements; selecting, automatically, at least a portion of the labor law compliance information based on the data posting and notification requirements and the physical location; and displaying, on an electronic display, the selected portion of the labor law compliance information, wherein the locating, generating, downloading, selecting, and displaying are performed using one or more processors. 2. The computer implemented method of claim 1, wherein the labor law compliance information comprises at least one of: Certificates of Insurance, Workmens' Compensation Insurance, and OSHA Requirements. 3. The computer implemented method of claim 1, further comprising:
receiving a user request to print a subset of the portion of the labor law compliance information, wherein the user request is received via an input device of an electronic device. 4. The computer implemented method of claim 1, further comprising:
periodically testing the electronic display to ensure proper operation of the electronic display, wherein the testing is performed by a microprocessor within the electronic display. 5. The computer implemented method of claim 1, wherein the electronic display comprises a redundant electronic display at a same physical location. 6. The computer implemented method of claim 1, further comprising:
automatically determining if the labor law compliance information associated with a generated link has been updated; downloading the updated labor law compliance information; and replacing, on the electronic display, at least a portion of the currently displayed labor law compliance information with the updated labor law compliance information. 7. The computer implemented method of claim 6, further comprising:
automatically sending an alert to a user that the updated labor law compliance information has been received. 8. The computer implemented method of claim 1, further comprising:
identifying a user's identity; identifying a specific language based on the user's identity; and displaying the labor law compliance information in the identified language on the electronic display. 9. The computer implemented method of claim 1, further comprising:
determining the effective date of the downloaded labor law compliance information; and withholding from displaying the labor law compliance information on the electronic display until a specific date, wherein the specific date is determined based on the effective date of the received labor law compliance information. 10. The computer implemented method of claim 1, further comprising:
displaying a plurality of menus on the electronic display, wherein each menu of the plurality of menus comprises at least a portion of the labor law compliance information. 11. The computer implemented method of claim 1, further comprising:
displaying, on the electronic display, at least a portion of the labor law compliance information in a first menu, wherein the first menu includes a plurality of selectable items; receiving a user selection of a particular selectable item of the plurality of selectable items, wherein the user selection is received via an input device of an electronic device; and displaying a second menu on the electronic display in response to receiving the user selection. 12. The computer implemented method of claim 11, further comprising:
storing user selections of selectable items in a storage device; and displaying on the electronic display a particular set of labor law compliance information in a menu based on the stored user selections. 13. The computer implemented method of claim 1, further comprising:
utilizing an input control device and the electronic display to perform at least one of remotely accessing: system setup, monitoring, updates, and labor law compliance verification information. 14. The computer implemented method of claim 1, further comprising:
receiving emergency notification information; and simultaneously displaying on the at least a portion of the labor law compliance information and the emergency information. 15. A computer implemented method for labor law compliance information display and notification comprising:
locating one or more network based sources of labor law compliance information; generating a list of links to one or more of the networked based sources based on predetermined criteria associated with the labor law compliance information; downloading, utilizing the generated list of links, labor law compliance data posting and notification requirements for a physical location; downloading, utilizing the generated list of links, labor law compliance information comprising information an employer is required to publicly post in compliance with governmental regulatory requirements; selecting, automatically, at least a portion of the labor law compliance information based on labor law compliance data posting and notification requirements and the physical location; and storing the downloaded labor law compliance information in an information database, wherein the locating, generating, downloading, selecting, and storing are performed using one or more processors. 16. The computer implemented method of claim 15, further comprising:
tagging the downloaded labor law compliance information with one or more of its effective date, date of creation, meta data, date of receipt, source information, and known conflicts. 17. The computer implemented method of claim 15, further comprising:
identifying a portion of the downloaded labor law compliance information that is currently valid, wherein the remaining received labor law compliance information is not currently valid; and storing only the currently valid labor law compliance information in the information database. 18. The computer implemented method of claim 15, further comprising:
storing a list of a plurality of sources in a second database, wherein each of the plurality of sources provide information relating to labor law compliance information; and automatically determining if the labor law compliance information associated with a generated link has been updated; and identifying the updated labor law compliance information in the sources. 19. The computer implemented method of claim 18 wherein locating comprises automatically scanning the internet for data related to labor law compliance information. 20. A computer implemented method for labor law compliance and announcement display and notification comprising:
locating one or more electronic sources of labor law compliance information; generating a list of links to one or more of the electronic sources based on predetermined criteria associated with the labor law compliance information; downloading, utilizing the generated list of links, labor law compliance labor law compliance information, wherein the labor law compliance information comprises information an employer is required to publicly post in compliance with governmental regulatory requirements; identifying a particular display of a plurality of displays; formatting the labor law compliance information to match a display resolution of the particular display; and displaying the labor law compliance information on the particular display, wherein the locating, generating, downloading, identifying, formatting, and displaying are performed using one or more processors. | Systems and methods are provided for compliance and announcement display and notification.1. A computer implemented method for labor law compliance information display and notification, the method comprising:
locating one or more electronic sources of labor law compliance information; automatically generating a list of computer links to one or more of the electronic sources based on predetermined criteria associated with the labor law compliance information; downloading over a network, utilizing the generated list of links, labor law compliance information comprising data posting and notification requirements for a physical location, wherein the labor law compliance information comprises information an employer is required to publicly post in compliance with governmental regulatory requirements; selecting, automatically, at least a portion of the labor law compliance information based on the data posting and notification requirements and the physical location; and displaying, on an electronic display, the selected portion of the labor law compliance information, wherein the locating, generating, downloading, selecting, and displaying are performed using one or more processors. 2. The computer implemented method of claim 1, wherein the labor law compliance information comprises at least one of: Certificates of Insurance, Workmens' Compensation Insurance, and OSHA Requirements. 3. The computer implemented method of claim 1, further comprising:
receiving a user request to print a subset of the portion of the labor law compliance information, wherein the user request is received via an input device of an electronic device. 4. The computer implemented method of claim 1, further comprising:
periodically testing the electronic display to ensure proper operation of the electronic display, wherein the testing is performed by a microprocessor within the electronic display. 5. The computer implemented method of claim 1, wherein the electronic display comprises a redundant electronic display at a same physical location. 6. The computer implemented method of claim 1, further comprising:
automatically determining if the labor law compliance information associated with a generated link has been updated; downloading the updated labor law compliance information; and replacing, on the electronic display, at least a portion of the currently displayed labor law compliance information with the updated labor law compliance information. 7. The computer implemented method of claim 6, further comprising:
automatically sending an alert to a user that the updated labor law compliance information has been received. 8. The computer implemented method of claim 1, further comprising:
identifying a user's identity; identifying a specific language based on the user's identity; and displaying the labor law compliance information in the identified language on the electronic display. 9. The computer implemented method of claim 1, further comprising:
determining the effective date of the downloaded labor law compliance information; and withholding from displaying the labor law compliance information on the electronic display until a specific date, wherein the specific date is determined based on the effective date of the received labor law compliance information. 10. The computer implemented method of claim 1, further comprising:
displaying a plurality of menus on the electronic display, wherein each menu of the plurality of menus comprises at least a portion of the labor law compliance information. 11. The computer implemented method of claim 1, further comprising:
displaying, on the electronic display, at least a portion of the labor law compliance information in a first menu, wherein the first menu includes a plurality of selectable items; receiving a user selection of a particular selectable item of the plurality of selectable items, wherein the user selection is received via an input device of an electronic device; and displaying a second menu on the electronic display in response to receiving the user selection. 12. The computer implemented method of claim 11, further comprising:
storing user selections of selectable items in a storage device; and displaying on the electronic display a particular set of labor law compliance information in a menu based on the stored user selections. 13. The computer implemented method of claim 1, further comprising:
utilizing an input control device and the electronic display to perform at least one of remotely accessing: system setup, monitoring, updates, and labor law compliance verification information. 14. The computer implemented method of claim 1, further comprising:
receiving emergency notification information; and simultaneously displaying on the at least a portion of the labor law compliance information and the emergency information. 15. A computer implemented method for labor law compliance information display and notification comprising:
locating one or more network based sources of labor law compliance information; generating a list of links to one or more of the networked based sources based on predetermined criteria associated with the labor law compliance information; downloading, utilizing the generated list of links, labor law compliance data posting and notification requirements for a physical location; downloading, utilizing the generated list of links, labor law compliance information comprising information an employer is required to publicly post in compliance with governmental regulatory requirements; selecting, automatically, at least a portion of the labor law compliance information based on labor law compliance data posting and notification requirements and the physical location; and storing the downloaded labor law compliance information in an information database, wherein the locating, generating, downloading, selecting, and storing are performed using one or more processors. 16. The computer implemented method of claim 15, further comprising:
tagging the downloaded labor law compliance information with one or more of its effective date, date of creation, meta data, date of receipt, source information, and known conflicts. 17. The computer implemented method of claim 15, further comprising:
identifying a portion of the downloaded labor law compliance information that is currently valid, wherein the remaining received labor law compliance information is not currently valid; and storing only the currently valid labor law compliance information in the information database. 18. The computer implemented method of claim 15, further comprising:
storing a list of a plurality of sources in a second database, wherein each of the plurality of sources provide information relating to labor law compliance information; and automatically determining if the labor law compliance information associated with a generated link has been updated; and identifying the updated labor law compliance information in the sources. 19. The computer implemented method of claim 18 wherein locating comprises automatically scanning the internet for data related to labor law compliance information. 20. A computer implemented method for labor law compliance and announcement display and notification comprising:
locating one or more electronic sources of labor law compliance information; generating a list of links to one or more of the electronic sources based on predetermined criteria associated with the labor law compliance information; downloading, utilizing the generated list of links, labor law compliance labor law compliance information, wherein the labor law compliance information comprises information an employer is required to publicly post in compliance with governmental regulatory requirements; identifying a particular display of a plurality of displays; formatting the labor law compliance information to match a display resolution of the particular display; and displaying the labor law compliance information on the particular display, wherein the locating, generating, downloading, identifying, formatting, and displaying are performed using one or more processors. | 3,600 |
12,795 | 12,795 | 11,929,932 | 3,695 | A method for assessing financial risk associated with a business entity involves recording usage data associated with a consumer business software, where the usage data describes consumer behavior associated with the consumer business software, and where the consumer business software is associated with a business entity. The method further involves generating a financial risk assessment associated with the business entity based on the usage data, and determining an approval status based on the financial risk assessment, where the approval status indicates whether the business entity is approved to receive a financial service. | 1. A method for assessing financial risk associated with a business entity, comprising:
recording a plurality of usage data associated with a consumer business software,
wherein the plurality of usage data describes consumer behavior associated with the consumer business software, and
wherein the consumer business software is associated with a business entity;
generating a financial risk assessment associated with the business entity based on the plurality of usage data; and determining an approval status based on the financial risk assessment, wherein the approval status indicates whether the business entity is approved to receive a financial service. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the approval status indicates that the business entity is not approved to receive the financial service. 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the approval status indicates that business entity is approved to receive the financial service. 4. The method of claim 3, further comprising:
pricing the financial service for the business entity based on the financial risk assessment. 5. The method of claim 1, further comprising:
publishing the financial risk assessment for access by a business partner of the business entity. 6. The method of claim 1, wherein generating the financial risk assessment comprises comparing the plurality of usage data with historical usage data associated with other business entities. 7. The method of claim 1, wherein the financial service is a merchant account. 8. The method of claim 1, wherein the plurality of usage data comprises at least one selected from the group consisting of a lifetime usage duration, a usage frequency, a number of records stored by the consumer business software, and a historical consistency of information stored by the consumer business software. 9. A computer system comprising:
a consumer business software associated with a business entity; and a risk assessment service configured to:
obtain a plurality of usage data associated with the consumer business software, wherein the plurality of usage data describes consumer behavior associated with the consumer business software,
generate a financial risk assessment associated with the business entity based on the plurality of usage data, and
determine an approval status based on the financial risk assessment, wherein the approval status indicates whether the business entity is approved to receive a financial service. 10. The computer system of claim 9, wherein the approval status indicates that the business entity is not approved to receive the financial service. 11. The computer system of claim 9, wherein the approval status indicates that the business entity is approved to receive the financial service. 12. The computer system of claim 11, wherein the risk assessment service is further configured to:
price the financial service for the business entity based on the financial risk assessment. 13. The computer system of claim 9, wherein the financial service is a merchant account. 14. The computer system of claim 9, wherein the risk assessment service is further configured to:
publish the financial risk assessment for access by a business partner of the business entity. 15. The computer system of claim 9, wherein the risk assessment service is configured to generate the financial risk assessment by comparing the plurality of usage data with historical usage data associated with other business entities. 16. The computer system of claim 9, wherein the plurality of usage data comprises at least one selected from the group consisting of a lifetime usage duration, a usage frequency, a number of records stored by the consumer business software, and a historical consistency of information stored by the consumer business software. 17. The computer system of claim 9, wherein the approval module requires human intervention to approve the business entity to receive the financial service. 18. A computer-readable medium comprising executable instructions for assessing financial risk associated with a business entity, wherein the executable instructions comprise instructions to:
record a plurality of usage data associated with a consumer business software, wherein the plurality of usage data describes consumer behavior associated with the consumer business software; generate a financial risk assessment associated with the business entity based on the plurality of usage data; and determine an approval status based on the financial risk assessment, wherein the approval status indicates whether the business entity is approved to receive a financial service. 19. The computer readable medium of claim 18, wherein the approval status indicates that the business entity is not approved to receive the financial service. 20. The computer readable medium of claim 18, wherein the approval status indicates that the business entity is approved to receive the financial service. 21. The computer readable medium of claim 20, wherein the executable instructions further comprise instructions to:
price the financial service for the business entity based on the financial risk assessment. 22. The computer readable medium of claim 18, wherein the financial service is a merchant account. 23. The computer readable medium of claim 18, wherein the executable instructions further comprise instructions to:
publish the financial risk assessment for access by a business partner of the business entity. 24. The computer readable medium of claim 18, wherein the instructions to generate the financial risk assessment comprise instructions to:
compare the plurality of usage data with historical usage data associated with other business entities. 25. The computer readable medium of claim 18, wherein the plurality of usage data comprises at least one selected from the group consisting of a lifetime usage duration, a usage frequency, a number of records stored by the consumer business software, and a historical consistency of information stored by the consumer business software. | A method for assessing financial risk associated with a business entity involves recording usage data associated with a consumer business software, where the usage data describes consumer behavior associated with the consumer business software, and where the consumer business software is associated with a business entity. The method further involves generating a financial risk assessment associated with the business entity based on the usage data, and determining an approval status based on the financial risk assessment, where the approval status indicates whether the business entity is approved to receive a financial service.1. A method for assessing financial risk associated with a business entity, comprising:
recording a plurality of usage data associated with a consumer business software,
wherein the plurality of usage data describes consumer behavior associated with the consumer business software, and
wherein the consumer business software is associated with a business entity;
generating a financial risk assessment associated with the business entity based on the plurality of usage data; and determining an approval status based on the financial risk assessment, wherein the approval status indicates whether the business entity is approved to receive a financial service. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the approval status indicates that the business entity is not approved to receive the financial service. 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the approval status indicates that business entity is approved to receive the financial service. 4. The method of claim 3, further comprising:
pricing the financial service for the business entity based on the financial risk assessment. 5. The method of claim 1, further comprising:
publishing the financial risk assessment for access by a business partner of the business entity. 6. The method of claim 1, wherein generating the financial risk assessment comprises comparing the plurality of usage data with historical usage data associated with other business entities. 7. The method of claim 1, wherein the financial service is a merchant account. 8. The method of claim 1, wherein the plurality of usage data comprises at least one selected from the group consisting of a lifetime usage duration, a usage frequency, a number of records stored by the consumer business software, and a historical consistency of information stored by the consumer business software. 9. A computer system comprising:
a consumer business software associated with a business entity; and a risk assessment service configured to:
obtain a plurality of usage data associated with the consumer business software, wherein the plurality of usage data describes consumer behavior associated with the consumer business software,
generate a financial risk assessment associated with the business entity based on the plurality of usage data, and
determine an approval status based on the financial risk assessment, wherein the approval status indicates whether the business entity is approved to receive a financial service. 10. The computer system of claim 9, wherein the approval status indicates that the business entity is not approved to receive the financial service. 11. The computer system of claim 9, wherein the approval status indicates that the business entity is approved to receive the financial service. 12. The computer system of claim 11, wherein the risk assessment service is further configured to:
price the financial service for the business entity based on the financial risk assessment. 13. The computer system of claim 9, wherein the financial service is a merchant account. 14. The computer system of claim 9, wherein the risk assessment service is further configured to:
publish the financial risk assessment for access by a business partner of the business entity. 15. The computer system of claim 9, wherein the risk assessment service is configured to generate the financial risk assessment by comparing the plurality of usage data with historical usage data associated with other business entities. 16. The computer system of claim 9, wherein the plurality of usage data comprises at least one selected from the group consisting of a lifetime usage duration, a usage frequency, a number of records stored by the consumer business software, and a historical consistency of information stored by the consumer business software. 17. The computer system of claim 9, wherein the approval module requires human intervention to approve the business entity to receive the financial service. 18. A computer-readable medium comprising executable instructions for assessing financial risk associated with a business entity, wherein the executable instructions comprise instructions to:
record a plurality of usage data associated with a consumer business software, wherein the plurality of usage data describes consumer behavior associated with the consumer business software; generate a financial risk assessment associated with the business entity based on the plurality of usage data; and determine an approval status based on the financial risk assessment, wherein the approval status indicates whether the business entity is approved to receive a financial service. 19. The computer readable medium of claim 18, wherein the approval status indicates that the business entity is not approved to receive the financial service. 20. The computer readable medium of claim 18, wherein the approval status indicates that the business entity is approved to receive the financial service. 21. The computer readable medium of claim 20, wherein the executable instructions further comprise instructions to:
price the financial service for the business entity based on the financial risk assessment. 22. The computer readable medium of claim 18, wherein the financial service is a merchant account. 23. The computer readable medium of claim 18, wherein the executable instructions further comprise instructions to:
publish the financial risk assessment for access by a business partner of the business entity. 24. The computer readable medium of claim 18, wherein the instructions to generate the financial risk assessment comprise instructions to:
compare the plurality of usage data with historical usage data associated with other business entities. 25. The computer readable medium of claim 18, wherein the plurality of usage data comprises at least one selected from the group consisting of a lifetime usage duration, a usage frequency, a number of records stored by the consumer business software, and a historical consistency of information stored by the consumer business software. | 3,600 |
12,796 | 12,796 | 13,865,023 | 3,689 | Aspects of the present disclosure describe systems and methods for generating and presenting providing one or more questions and/or prompts to a customers that enable the customer to identify, diagnose, and/or resolve any technical problems the customer may currently be facing. Administrators may provide input to an interface, such as a graphical user interface (“GUI”), to automatically develop, arrange, group, and/or generate the series of questions/prompts provided to the customer. Other interfaces may be generated to receive input corresponding to the questions from other users and react to the input received from such users with appropriate responses or further questions. | 1. A method for generating questions comprising:
generate, using at least one processor, a plurality of services to:
authenticate a user to obtain classification data, the classification data identifying a group of users for which at least one question may be displayed, the question stored in a data structure defining a hierarchical relationship between the question, a response, and at least one other question; and
provide the at least one question to at least one user of the group of users for display. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein accessing at least one of the plurality of services further comprises:
receiving the response for the question; and as a result of receiving the response, provide the at least one other question to the user, the at least one other question hierarchically associated with at least one command, the at least one command to automatically initiate the generation of a trouble ticket corresponding to the user. 3. The method of claim 2, wherein accessing at least one of the services further comprises:
receiving another response for the at least one other question; and executing the at least one command based on the other response. 4. The method of claim 1, wherein the at least one question and the at least one other question are hierarchically maintained within a prompt tree data structure comprising a collection of nodes, at least one node of the collection of nodes being a root node containing the at least one question and a list of nodes, at least one node of the list of nodes containing the at least one other question. 5. The method of claim 2, further comprising generating one or more interfaces for displaying the at least one question, receiving the response, and displaying the at least one other question. 6. The method of claim 1, wherein the classification data comprises a segment classification describing an industry in which the user belongs. 7. The method of claim 1, wherein the plurality of services conform to a representational state transfer resource architecture and are accessible using standard hypertext transfer protocol-accessible mechanisms. 8. A system for generating questions comprising:
at least one processor to:
generate a plurality of services to:
authenticate a user to obtain classification data, the classification data identifying a group of users for which at least one question may be displayed, the question stored in a data structure defining a hierarchical relationship between the question, a response, and at least one other question; and
provide the at least one question to at least one user of the group of users for display. 9. The system of claim 8, wherein to access at least one of the plurality of services further comprises:
receiving the response for the question; and as a result of receiving the response, provide the at least one other question to the user, the at least one other question hierarchically associated with at least one command, the at least one command to automatically initiate the generation of a trouble ticket corresponding to the user. 10. The system of claim 9, wherein accessing at least one of the services further comprises:
receiving another response for the at least one other question; and executing the at least one command based on the other response. 11. The system of claim 8, wherein the at least one question and the at least one other question are hierarchically maintained within a prompt tree data structure comprising a collection of nodes, at least one node of the collection of nodes being a root node containing the at least one question and a list of nodes, at least one node of the list of nodes containing the at least one other question. 12. The system of claim 9, wherein the at least one processor is further configured to generate one or more interfaces for displaying the at least one question, receiving the response, and displaying the at least one other question. 13. The system of claim 8, wherein the classification data comprises a segment classification describing an industry in which the user belongs. 14. The system of claim 8, wherein the plurality of services conform to a representational state transfer resource architecture and are accessible using standard hypertext transfer protocol-accessible mechanisms. 15. A non-transitory computer readable medium encoded with instructions for generating and presenting questions, the instructions, executable by a processor, comprising:
generate a plurality of services to:
authenticate a user to obtain classification data, the classification data identifying a group of users for which at least one question may be displayed, the question stored in a data structure defining a hierarchical relationship between the question, a response, and at least one other question; and
provide the at least one question to at least one user of the group of users for display. 16. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 15, wherein accessing at least one of the plurality of services further comprises:
receiving the response for the question; and as a result of receiving the response, provide the at least one other question to the user, the at least one other question hierarchically associated with at least one command, the at least one command to automatically initiate the generation of a trouble ticket corresponding to the user. 17. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 16, wherein accessing at least one of the services further comprises:
receiving another response for the at least one other question; and executing the at least one command based on the other response. 18. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 15, wherein the at least one question and the at least one other question are hierarchically maintained within a prompt tree data structure comprising a collection of nodes, at least one node of the collection of nodes being a root node containing the at least one question and a list of nodes, at least one node of the list of nodes containing the at least one other question. 19. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 16, further comprising generating one or more interfaces for displaying the at least one question, receiving the response, and displaying the at least one other question. 20. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 15, wherein the classification data comprises a segment classification describing an industry in which the user belongs. 21. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 15, wherein the plurality of services conform to a representational state transfer resource architecture and are accessible using standard hypertext transfer protocol-accessible mechanisms. | Aspects of the present disclosure describe systems and methods for generating and presenting providing one or more questions and/or prompts to a customers that enable the customer to identify, diagnose, and/or resolve any technical problems the customer may currently be facing. Administrators may provide input to an interface, such as a graphical user interface (“GUI”), to automatically develop, arrange, group, and/or generate the series of questions/prompts provided to the customer. Other interfaces may be generated to receive input corresponding to the questions from other users and react to the input received from such users with appropriate responses or further questions.1. A method for generating questions comprising:
generate, using at least one processor, a plurality of services to:
authenticate a user to obtain classification data, the classification data identifying a group of users for which at least one question may be displayed, the question stored in a data structure defining a hierarchical relationship between the question, a response, and at least one other question; and
provide the at least one question to at least one user of the group of users for display. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein accessing at least one of the plurality of services further comprises:
receiving the response for the question; and as a result of receiving the response, provide the at least one other question to the user, the at least one other question hierarchically associated with at least one command, the at least one command to automatically initiate the generation of a trouble ticket corresponding to the user. 3. The method of claim 2, wherein accessing at least one of the services further comprises:
receiving another response for the at least one other question; and executing the at least one command based on the other response. 4. The method of claim 1, wherein the at least one question and the at least one other question are hierarchically maintained within a prompt tree data structure comprising a collection of nodes, at least one node of the collection of nodes being a root node containing the at least one question and a list of nodes, at least one node of the list of nodes containing the at least one other question. 5. The method of claim 2, further comprising generating one or more interfaces for displaying the at least one question, receiving the response, and displaying the at least one other question. 6. The method of claim 1, wherein the classification data comprises a segment classification describing an industry in which the user belongs. 7. The method of claim 1, wherein the plurality of services conform to a representational state transfer resource architecture and are accessible using standard hypertext transfer protocol-accessible mechanisms. 8. A system for generating questions comprising:
at least one processor to:
generate a plurality of services to:
authenticate a user to obtain classification data, the classification data identifying a group of users for which at least one question may be displayed, the question stored in a data structure defining a hierarchical relationship between the question, a response, and at least one other question; and
provide the at least one question to at least one user of the group of users for display. 9. The system of claim 8, wherein to access at least one of the plurality of services further comprises:
receiving the response for the question; and as a result of receiving the response, provide the at least one other question to the user, the at least one other question hierarchically associated with at least one command, the at least one command to automatically initiate the generation of a trouble ticket corresponding to the user. 10. The system of claim 9, wherein accessing at least one of the services further comprises:
receiving another response for the at least one other question; and executing the at least one command based on the other response. 11. The system of claim 8, wherein the at least one question and the at least one other question are hierarchically maintained within a prompt tree data structure comprising a collection of nodes, at least one node of the collection of nodes being a root node containing the at least one question and a list of nodes, at least one node of the list of nodes containing the at least one other question. 12. The system of claim 9, wherein the at least one processor is further configured to generate one or more interfaces for displaying the at least one question, receiving the response, and displaying the at least one other question. 13. The system of claim 8, wherein the classification data comprises a segment classification describing an industry in which the user belongs. 14. The system of claim 8, wherein the plurality of services conform to a representational state transfer resource architecture and are accessible using standard hypertext transfer protocol-accessible mechanisms. 15. A non-transitory computer readable medium encoded with instructions for generating and presenting questions, the instructions, executable by a processor, comprising:
generate a plurality of services to:
authenticate a user to obtain classification data, the classification data identifying a group of users for which at least one question may be displayed, the question stored in a data structure defining a hierarchical relationship between the question, a response, and at least one other question; and
provide the at least one question to at least one user of the group of users for display. 16. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 15, wherein accessing at least one of the plurality of services further comprises:
receiving the response for the question; and as a result of receiving the response, provide the at least one other question to the user, the at least one other question hierarchically associated with at least one command, the at least one command to automatically initiate the generation of a trouble ticket corresponding to the user. 17. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 16, wherein accessing at least one of the services further comprises:
receiving another response for the at least one other question; and executing the at least one command based on the other response. 18. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 15, wherein the at least one question and the at least one other question are hierarchically maintained within a prompt tree data structure comprising a collection of nodes, at least one node of the collection of nodes being a root node containing the at least one question and a list of nodes, at least one node of the list of nodes containing the at least one other question. 19. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 16, further comprising generating one or more interfaces for displaying the at least one question, receiving the response, and displaying the at least one other question. 20. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 15, wherein the classification data comprises a segment classification describing an industry in which the user belongs. 21. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 15, wherein the plurality of services conform to a representational state transfer resource architecture and are accessible using standard hypertext transfer protocol-accessible mechanisms. | 3,600 |
12,797 | 12,797 | 13,790,439 | 3,626 | Disclosed is an apparatus and method of communicating with a user of a wireless device for medical analysis purposes. One example method of operation may include identifying a group of participants to receive a broadcast message transmitted from a wireless device. The method may also include automatically establishing a first tier of participants among the group of participants, and at least one additional tier of participants among the group of participants. The example method may also provide transmitting at least one broadcast message from the wireless device to the group of participants, and transmitting additional data to at least one member of the group of participants based on a predefined relationship between the at least one member of the group of participants and a user of the wireless device. | 1. A method, comprising:
identifying a group of participants to receive at least one broadcast message transmitted from a wireless device; automatically establishing a first tier of participants among the group of participants and designating at least one participant of the group of participants as part of the first tier of participants, wherein said automatically establishing a first tier of participants is based on a first tier selection criteria; automatically establishing at least one additional tier of participants among the group of participants and designating at least one additional participant of the group of participants as part of a second tier of participants, wherein said automatically establishing at least one additional tier of participants is based on at least one additional tier selection criteria; transmitting said at least one broadcast message from the wireless device to a plurality of computing devices corresponding to said group of participants, the at least one broadcast message is transmitted to the first tier of participants and the at least one additional tier of participants; and transmitting additional data to at least one member of said group of participants based on predefined relationship data identifying a relationship between the at least one member of the group of participants and said wireless device, wherein the additional data is transmitted to the first tier of participants. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the at least one broadcast message is sent via at least one of a short message service (SMS) format, a video format, an audio format, and wherein the plurality of computing devices comprise at least one of a smartphone, cell phone, tablet computing device, personal computer, and a laptop computer. 3. The method of claim 1, wherein a member of the group of participants is configured to receive the at least one broadcast message according to a predefined delivery preference specified to the participants of said group of participants. 4. The method of claim 3, wherein the predefined delivery preference specifies at least one of a SMS message delivery preference, an email message delivery preference, a phone call message delivery preference, and a voicemail message delivery preference. 5. The method of claim 1, wherein the at least one broadcast message comprises a first data type and the additional data comprises a second data type that is different from the first data type. 6. The method of claim 1, further comprising:
identifying a message transfer history of the wireless device based on a number of messages transferred from a mobile device to the participants in said group of participants; identifying a first group of participants having been sent more messages than a remaining group of participants that have been sent fewer messages than the first group of participants based on the message transfer history; designating the first group of participants as part of the first tier of participants; and designating the second group of participants as part of the second tier of participants. 7. The method of claim 1, wherein the first tier of participants are configured to receive data messages corresponding to at least two of text data, video data, audio data, and the second tier of participants are configured to receive one of text data, video data and audio data. 8. An apparatus, comprising:
a processor configured to
identify a group of participants to receive at least one broadcast message,
automatically establish a first tier of participants among the group of participants and designate at least one participant of the group of participants as part of the first tier of participants, wherein said automatically establishment of a first tier of participants is based on a first tier selection criteria,
automatically establish at least one additional tier of participants among the group of participants and designates at least one additional participant of the group of participants as part of a second tier of participants, wherein said automatically establishment at least one additional tier of participants is based on at least one additional tier selection criteria; and
a transmitter configured to
transmit said at least one broadcast message from a wireless device to a plurality of computing devices corresponds to said group of participants, the at least one broadcast message is transmitted to the first tier of participants and the at least one additional tier of participants, and
transmit additional data to at least one member of said group of participants based on predefined relationship data identifies a relationship between the at least one member of the group of participants and said wireless device, wherein the additional data is transmitted to the first tier of participants. 9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the at least one broadcast message is sent via at least one of a short message service (SMS) format, a video format, an audio format, and wherein the plurality of computing devices comprise at least one of a smartphone, cell phone, tablet computing device, personal computer, and a laptop computer. 10. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein a member of the group of participants is configured to receive the at least one broadcast message in accord with a predefined delivery preference specified to the members of said group of participants. 11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the predefined delivery preference specifies at least one of a SMS message delivery preference, an email message delivery preference, a phone call message delivery preference, and a voicemail message delivery preference. 12. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the at least one broadcast message comprises a first data type and the additional data comprises a second data type that is different from the first data type. 13. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the processor is further configured to
identify a message transfer history of the wireless device based on a number of messages transferred from a mobile device to the participants in said group of participants, identify a first group of participants that have been sent more messages than a remaining group of participants that have been sent fewer messages than the first group of participants based on the message transfer history; designate the first group of participants as part of the first tier of participants, and designate a second group of participants as part of the second tier of participants. 14. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the first tier of participants are configured to receive data messages corresponds to at least two of text data, video data, audio data, and the second tier of participants are configured to receive one of text data, video data and audio data. 15. A non-transitory computer readable storage medium configured to store instructions that when executed causes a processor to perform:
identifying a group of participants to receive at least one broadcast message transmitted from a wireless device; automatically establishing a first tier of participants among the group of participants and designating at least one participant of the group of participants as part of the first tier of participants, wherein said automatically establishing a first tier of participants is based on a first tier selection criteria; automatically establishing at least one additional tier of participants among the group of participants and designating at least one additional participant of the group of participants as part of a second tier of participants, wherein said automatically establishing at least one additional tier of participants is based on at least one additional tier selection criteria; transmitting said at least one broadcast message from the wireless device to a plurality of computing devices corresponding to said group of participants, the at least one broadcast message is transmitted to the first tier of participants and the at least one additional tier of participants; and transmitting additional data to at least one member of said group of participants based on predefined relationship data identifying a relationship between the at least one member of the group of participants and said wireless device, wherein the additional data is transmitted to the first tier of participants. 16. The non-transitory computer readable storage medium of claim 15, wherein the at least one broadcast message is sent via at least one of a short message service (SMS) format, a video format, an audio format, and wherein the plurality of computing devices comprise at least one of a smartphone, cell phone, tablet computing device, personal computer, and a laptop computer. 17. The non-transitory computer readable storage medium of claim 15, wherein a member of the group of participants is configured to receive the at least one broadcast message according to a predefined delivery preference specified to the participants of said group of participants. 18. The non-transitory computer readable storage medium of claim 17, wherein the predefined delivery preference specifies at least one of a SMS message delivery preference, an email message delivery preference, a phone call message delivery preference, and a voicemail message delivery preference. 19. The non-transitory computer readable storage medium of claim 15, wherein the at least one broadcast message comprises a first data type and the additional data comprises a second data type that is different from the first data type. 20. The non-transitory computer readable storage medium of claim 15, wherein the processor is further configured to perform:
identifying a message transfer history of the wireless device based on a number of messages transferred from a mobile device to the participants in said group of participants; identifying a first group of participants having been sent more messages than a remaining group of participants that have been sent fewer messages than the first group of participants based on the message transfer history; designating the first group of participants as part of the first tier of participants; and designating a second group of participants as part of the second tier of participants, and wherein the first tier of participants are configured to receive data messages corresponding to at least two of text data, video data, audio data, and the second tier of participants are configured to receive one of text data, video data and audio data. | Disclosed is an apparatus and method of communicating with a user of a wireless device for medical analysis purposes. One example method of operation may include identifying a group of participants to receive a broadcast message transmitted from a wireless device. The method may also include automatically establishing a first tier of participants among the group of participants, and at least one additional tier of participants among the group of participants. The example method may also provide transmitting at least one broadcast message from the wireless device to the group of participants, and transmitting additional data to at least one member of the group of participants based on a predefined relationship between the at least one member of the group of participants and a user of the wireless device.1. A method, comprising:
identifying a group of participants to receive at least one broadcast message transmitted from a wireless device; automatically establishing a first tier of participants among the group of participants and designating at least one participant of the group of participants as part of the first tier of participants, wherein said automatically establishing a first tier of participants is based on a first tier selection criteria; automatically establishing at least one additional tier of participants among the group of participants and designating at least one additional participant of the group of participants as part of a second tier of participants, wherein said automatically establishing at least one additional tier of participants is based on at least one additional tier selection criteria; transmitting said at least one broadcast message from the wireless device to a plurality of computing devices corresponding to said group of participants, the at least one broadcast message is transmitted to the first tier of participants and the at least one additional tier of participants; and transmitting additional data to at least one member of said group of participants based on predefined relationship data identifying a relationship between the at least one member of the group of participants and said wireless device, wherein the additional data is transmitted to the first tier of participants. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the at least one broadcast message is sent via at least one of a short message service (SMS) format, a video format, an audio format, and wherein the plurality of computing devices comprise at least one of a smartphone, cell phone, tablet computing device, personal computer, and a laptop computer. 3. The method of claim 1, wherein a member of the group of participants is configured to receive the at least one broadcast message according to a predefined delivery preference specified to the participants of said group of participants. 4. The method of claim 3, wherein the predefined delivery preference specifies at least one of a SMS message delivery preference, an email message delivery preference, a phone call message delivery preference, and a voicemail message delivery preference. 5. The method of claim 1, wherein the at least one broadcast message comprises a first data type and the additional data comprises a second data type that is different from the first data type. 6. The method of claim 1, further comprising:
identifying a message transfer history of the wireless device based on a number of messages transferred from a mobile device to the participants in said group of participants; identifying a first group of participants having been sent more messages than a remaining group of participants that have been sent fewer messages than the first group of participants based on the message transfer history; designating the first group of participants as part of the first tier of participants; and designating the second group of participants as part of the second tier of participants. 7. The method of claim 1, wherein the first tier of participants are configured to receive data messages corresponding to at least two of text data, video data, audio data, and the second tier of participants are configured to receive one of text data, video data and audio data. 8. An apparatus, comprising:
a processor configured to
identify a group of participants to receive at least one broadcast message,
automatically establish a first tier of participants among the group of participants and designate at least one participant of the group of participants as part of the first tier of participants, wherein said automatically establishment of a first tier of participants is based on a first tier selection criteria,
automatically establish at least one additional tier of participants among the group of participants and designates at least one additional participant of the group of participants as part of a second tier of participants, wherein said automatically establishment at least one additional tier of participants is based on at least one additional tier selection criteria; and
a transmitter configured to
transmit said at least one broadcast message from a wireless device to a plurality of computing devices corresponds to said group of participants, the at least one broadcast message is transmitted to the first tier of participants and the at least one additional tier of participants, and
transmit additional data to at least one member of said group of participants based on predefined relationship data identifies a relationship between the at least one member of the group of participants and said wireless device, wherein the additional data is transmitted to the first tier of participants. 9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the at least one broadcast message is sent via at least one of a short message service (SMS) format, a video format, an audio format, and wherein the plurality of computing devices comprise at least one of a smartphone, cell phone, tablet computing device, personal computer, and a laptop computer. 10. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein a member of the group of participants is configured to receive the at least one broadcast message in accord with a predefined delivery preference specified to the members of said group of participants. 11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the predefined delivery preference specifies at least one of a SMS message delivery preference, an email message delivery preference, a phone call message delivery preference, and a voicemail message delivery preference. 12. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the at least one broadcast message comprises a first data type and the additional data comprises a second data type that is different from the first data type. 13. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the processor is further configured to
identify a message transfer history of the wireless device based on a number of messages transferred from a mobile device to the participants in said group of participants, identify a first group of participants that have been sent more messages than a remaining group of participants that have been sent fewer messages than the first group of participants based on the message transfer history; designate the first group of participants as part of the first tier of participants, and designate a second group of participants as part of the second tier of participants. 14. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the first tier of participants are configured to receive data messages corresponds to at least two of text data, video data, audio data, and the second tier of participants are configured to receive one of text data, video data and audio data. 15. A non-transitory computer readable storage medium configured to store instructions that when executed causes a processor to perform:
identifying a group of participants to receive at least one broadcast message transmitted from a wireless device; automatically establishing a first tier of participants among the group of participants and designating at least one participant of the group of participants as part of the first tier of participants, wherein said automatically establishing a first tier of participants is based on a first tier selection criteria; automatically establishing at least one additional tier of participants among the group of participants and designating at least one additional participant of the group of participants as part of a second tier of participants, wherein said automatically establishing at least one additional tier of participants is based on at least one additional tier selection criteria; transmitting said at least one broadcast message from the wireless device to a plurality of computing devices corresponding to said group of participants, the at least one broadcast message is transmitted to the first tier of participants and the at least one additional tier of participants; and transmitting additional data to at least one member of said group of participants based on predefined relationship data identifying a relationship between the at least one member of the group of participants and said wireless device, wherein the additional data is transmitted to the first tier of participants. 16. The non-transitory computer readable storage medium of claim 15, wherein the at least one broadcast message is sent via at least one of a short message service (SMS) format, a video format, an audio format, and wherein the plurality of computing devices comprise at least one of a smartphone, cell phone, tablet computing device, personal computer, and a laptop computer. 17. The non-transitory computer readable storage medium of claim 15, wherein a member of the group of participants is configured to receive the at least one broadcast message according to a predefined delivery preference specified to the participants of said group of participants. 18. The non-transitory computer readable storage medium of claim 17, wherein the predefined delivery preference specifies at least one of a SMS message delivery preference, an email message delivery preference, a phone call message delivery preference, and a voicemail message delivery preference. 19. The non-transitory computer readable storage medium of claim 15, wherein the at least one broadcast message comprises a first data type and the additional data comprises a second data type that is different from the first data type. 20. The non-transitory computer readable storage medium of claim 15, wherein the processor is further configured to perform:
identifying a message transfer history of the wireless device based on a number of messages transferred from a mobile device to the participants in said group of participants; identifying a first group of participants having been sent more messages than a remaining group of participants that have been sent fewer messages than the first group of participants based on the message transfer history; designating the first group of participants as part of the first tier of participants; and designating a second group of participants as part of the second tier of participants, and wherein the first tier of participants are configured to receive data messages corresponding to at least two of text data, video data, audio data, and the second tier of participants are configured to receive one of text data, video data and audio data. | 3,600 |
12,798 | 12,798 | 13,608,457 | 3,623 | An integrated safety-evaluation with labor-time-standard system is provided that includes a work-task manager, integrated module and ergonomic safety evaluator. The work-task manager may be configured to receive a work instruction and determine work elements applicable to the work instruction, with the work elements may have respective associated elemental unit times, elemental risk ratings and frequency values. The integrated module may be configured to receive the elemental unit times, elemental risk ratings and frequency values for the work elements, and calculate a labor time standard and ergonomic safety rating therefrom. And the ergonomic safety evaluator may be configured to receive the labor time standard and ergonomic safety rating and perform an ergonomic safety evaluation therefrom. In this regard, the ergonomic safety evaluator may be configured to perform the ergonomic safety evaluation to determine whether to release or reject the work instruction. | 1. An integrated safety-evaluation with labor-time-standard system comprising:
a work-task manager coupled to an integrated module and ergonomic safety evaluator, the work-task manager being configured to receive a plurality of work plans each of which includes a plurality of work instructions; and for each work instruction, the work-task manager is configured to determine work elements applicable to the work instruction, the work elements having respective associated elemental unit times, elemental risk ratings and frequency values; the integrated module is configured to receive the elemental unit times, elemental risk ratings and frequency values for the work elements, and calculate a labor time standard and ergonomic safety rating therefrom; and the ergonomic safety evaluator is configured to receive the labor time standard and ergonomic safety rating and perform an ergonomic safety evaluation therefrom, the ergonomic safety evaluator being configured to perform the ergonomic safety evaluation to determine whether to release or reject the work instruction. 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the integrated module being configured to calculate the labor time standard includes being configured to:
calculate elemental time standards for the work elements, the elemental time standard for each work element being calculated as a function of the elemental unit time and frequency value for the respective work element; and sum the elemental time standards to calculate the labor time standard. 3. The system of claim 1, wherein the integrated module being configured to calculate the ergonomic safety rating includes being configured to:
calculate elemental time standards for the work elements, the elemental time standard for each work element being calculated as a function of the elemental unit time and frequency value for the respective work element; multiply the elemental risk ratings and respective elemental time standards to produce respective products; and sum the products to calculate the ergonomic safety rating. 4. The system of claim 1, wherein the integrated module being configured to calculate the labor time standard includes being configured to:
calculate a standardized labor time standard from the elemental unit times and frequency values; and calculate a localized labor time standard from the standardized labor time standard, and from one or more local workforce factors, wherein the ergonomic safety evaluator being configured to receive the labor time standard includes being configured to receive the localized labor time standard. 5. The system of claim 4, wherein the one or more local workforce factors include a personal, fatigue and delay factor that is a numeric value applicable to the local workforce when performing activities required to complete tasks involved in the work instruction, and
wherein the integrated module being configured to calculate the localized labor time standard includes being configured to adjust the standardized labor time standard according to the personal, fatigue and delay factor. 6. The system of claim 1, wherein the ergonomic safety evaluator being configured to perform the ergonomic safety evaluation includes being configured to compare the ergonomic safety rating to a maximum threshold allowance that is a numeric value representing a level of risk acceptable to allow release of the work instruction, the maximum threshold allowance being a function of the labor time standard. 7. The system of claim 6, wherein the maximum threshold allowance is further a function of a risk capacity factor that is a numeric value indicating an ability for an average worker of a local workforce to tolerate ergonomic risk or stress in comparison to an average worker of a global workforce population. 8. A method comprising:
receiving a plurality of work plans each of which includes a plurality of work instructions; and for each work instruction, determining work elements applicable to the work instruction, the work elements having respective associated elemental unit times, elemental risk ratings and frequency values; calculating a labor time standard and ergonomic safety rating from the elemental unit times, elemental risk ratings and frequency values for the work elements; and performing an ergonomic safety evaluation from the labor time standard and ergonomic safety rating, the ergonomic safety evaluation being performed to determine whether to release or reject the work instruction. 9. The method of claim 8, wherein calculating the labor time standard includes:
calculating elemental time standards for the work elements, the elemental time standard for each work element being calculated as a function of the elemental unit time and frequency value for the respective work element; and summing the elemental time standards to calculate the labor time standard. 10. The method of claim 8, wherein calculating the ergonomic safety rating includes:
calculating elemental time standards for the work elements, the elemental time standard for each work element being calculated as a function of the elemental unit time and frequency value for the respective work element; multiplying the elemental risk ratings and respective elemental time standards to produce respective products; and summing the products to calculate the ergonomic safety rating. 11. The method of claim 8, wherein calculating the labor time standard includes:
calculating a standardized labor time standard from the elemental unit times and frequency values; and calculating a localized labor time standard from the standardized labor time standard, and from one or more local workforce factors, wherein performing the ergonomic safety evaluation includes performing the ergonomic safety evaluation from the localized labor time standard. 12. The method of claim 11, wherein the one or more local workforce factors include a personal, fatigue and delay factor that is a numeric value applicable to the local workforce when performing activities required to complete tasks involved in the work instruction, and
wherein calculating the localized labor time standard includes adjusting the standardized labor time standard according to the personal, fatigue and delay factor. 13. The method of claim 8, wherein performing the ergonomic safety evaluation includes comparing the ergonomic safety rating to a maximum threshold allowance that is a numeric value representing a level of risk acceptable to allow release of the work instruction, the maximum threshold allowance being a function of the labor time standard. 14. The method of claim 13, wherein the maximum threshold allowance is further a function of a risk capacity factor that is a numeric value indicating an ability for an average worker of a local workforce to tolerate ergonomic risk or stress in comparison to an average worker of a global workforce population. 15. A computer-readable storage medium having computer-readable program code portions stored therein that, in response to execution by a processor, cause an apparatus to at least:
receive a plurality of work plans each of which includes a plurality of work instructions; and for each work instruction, determine work elements applicable to the work instruction, the work elements having respective associated elemental unit times, elemental risk ratings and frequency values; calculate a labor time standard and ergonomic safety rating from the elemental unit times, elemental risk ratings and frequency values for the work elements; and perform an ergonomic safety evaluation from the labor time standard and ergonomic safety rating, the ergonomic safety evaluator being configured to perform the ergonomic safety evaluation to determine whether to release or reject the work instruction. 16. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 15, wherein the apparatus being caused to calculate the labor time standard includes being caused to:
calculate elemental time standards for the work elements, the elemental time standard for each work element being calculated as a function of the elemental unit time and frequency value for the respective work element; and sum the elemental time standards to calculate the labor time standard. 17. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 15, wherein the apparatus being caused to calculate the ergonomic safety rating includes being caused to:
calculate elemental time standards for the work elements, the elemental time standard for each work element being calculated as a function of the elemental unit time and frequency value for the respective work element; multiply the elemental risk ratings and respective elemental time standards to produce respective products; and sum the products to calculate the ergonomic safety rating. 18. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 15, wherein the apparatus being caused to calculate the labor time standard includes being caused to:
calculate a standardized labor time standard from the elemental unit times and frequency values; and calculate a localized labor time standard from the standardized labor time standard, and from one or more local workforce factors, wherein the apparatus being caused to perform the ergonomic safety evaluation includes being caused to perform the ergonomic safety evaluation from the localized labor time standard. 19. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 18, wherein the one or more local workforce factors include a personal, fatigue and delay factor that is a numeric value applicable to the local workforce when performing activities required to complete tasks involved in the work instruction, and
wherein the apparatus being caused to calculate the localized labor time standard includes being caused to adjust the standardized labor time standard according to the personal, fatigue and delay factor. 20. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 15, wherein the apparatus being caused to perform the ergonomic safety evaluation includes being caused to compare the ergonomic safety rating to a maximum threshold allowance that is a numeric value representing a level of risk acceptable to allow release of the work instruction, the maximum threshold allowance being a function of the labor time standard. 21. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 20, wherein the maximum threshold allowance is further a function of a risk capacity factor that is a numeric value indicating an ability for an average worker of a local workforce to tolerate ergonomic risk or stress in comparison to an average worker of a global workforce population. | An integrated safety-evaluation with labor-time-standard system is provided that includes a work-task manager, integrated module and ergonomic safety evaluator. The work-task manager may be configured to receive a work instruction and determine work elements applicable to the work instruction, with the work elements may have respective associated elemental unit times, elemental risk ratings and frequency values. The integrated module may be configured to receive the elemental unit times, elemental risk ratings and frequency values for the work elements, and calculate a labor time standard and ergonomic safety rating therefrom. And the ergonomic safety evaluator may be configured to receive the labor time standard and ergonomic safety rating and perform an ergonomic safety evaluation therefrom. In this regard, the ergonomic safety evaluator may be configured to perform the ergonomic safety evaluation to determine whether to release or reject the work instruction.1. An integrated safety-evaluation with labor-time-standard system comprising:
a work-task manager coupled to an integrated module and ergonomic safety evaluator, the work-task manager being configured to receive a plurality of work plans each of which includes a plurality of work instructions; and for each work instruction, the work-task manager is configured to determine work elements applicable to the work instruction, the work elements having respective associated elemental unit times, elemental risk ratings and frequency values; the integrated module is configured to receive the elemental unit times, elemental risk ratings and frequency values for the work elements, and calculate a labor time standard and ergonomic safety rating therefrom; and the ergonomic safety evaluator is configured to receive the labor time standard and ergonomic safety rating and perform an ergonomic safety evaluation therefrom, the ergonomic safety evaluator being configured to perform the ergonomic safety evaluation to determine whether to release or reject the work instruction. 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the integrated module being configured to calculate the labor time standard includes being configured to:
calculate elemental time standards for the work elements, the elemental time standard for each work element being calculated as a function of the elemental unit time and frequency value for the respective work element; and sum the elemental time standards to calculate the labor time standard. 3. The system of claim 1, wherein the integrated module being configured to calculate the ergonomic safety rating includes being configured to:
calculate elemental time standards for the work elements, the elemental time standard for each work element being calculated as a function of the elemental unit time and frequency value for the respective work element; multiply the elemental risk ratings and respective elemental time standards to produce respective products; and sum the products to calculate the ergonomic safety rating. 4. The system of claim 1, wherein the integrated module being configured to calculate the labor time standard includes being configured to:
calculate a standardized labor time standard from the elemental unit times and frequency values; and calculate a localized labor time standard from the standardized labor time standard, and from one or more local workforce factors, wherein the ergonomic safety evaluator being configured to receive the labor time standard includes being configured to receive the localized labor time standard. 5. The system of claim 4, wherein the one or more local workforce factors include a personal, fatigue and delay factor that is a numeric value applicable to the local workforce when performing activities required to complete tasks involved in the work instruction, and
wherein the integrated module being configured to calculate the localized labor time standard includes being configured to adjust the standardized labor time standard according to the personal, fatigue and delay factor. 6. The system of claim 1, wherein the ergonomic safety evaluator being configured to perform the ergonomic safety evaluation includes being configured to compare the ergonomic safety rating to a maximum threshold allowance that is a numeric value representing a level of risk acceptable to allow release of the work instruction, the maximum threshold allowance being a function of the labor time standard. 7. The system of claim 6, wherein the maximum threshold allowance is further a function of a risk capacity factor that is a numeric value indicating an ability for an average worker of a local workforce to tolerate ergonomic risk or stress in comparison to an average worker of a global workforce population. 8. A method comprising:
receiving a plurality of work plans each of which includes a plurality of work instructions; and for each work instruction, determining work elements applicable to the work instruction, the work elements having respective associated elemental unit times, elemental risk ratings and frequency values; calculating a labor time standard and ergonomic safety rating from the elemental unit times, elemental risk ratings and frequency values for the work elements; and performing an ergonomic safety evaluation from the labor time standard and ergonomic safety rating, the ergonomic safety evaluation being performed to determine whether to release or reject the work instruction. 9. The method of claim 8, wherein calculating the labor time standard includes:
calculating elemental time standards for the work elements, the elemental time standard for each work element being calculated as a function of the elemental unit time and frequency value for the respective work element; and summing the elemental time standards to calculate the labor time standard. 10. The method of claim 8, wherein calculating the ergonomic safety rating includes:
calculating elemental time standards for the work elements, the elemental time standard for each work element being calculated as a function of the elemental unit time and frequency value for the respective work element; multiplying the elemental risk ratings and respective elemental time standards to produce respective products; and summing the products to calculate the ergonomic safety rating. 11. The method of claim 8, wherein calculating the labor time standard includes:
calculating a standardized labor time standard from the elemental unit times and frequency values; and calculating a localized labor time standard from the standardized labor time standard, and from one or more local workforce factors, wherein performing the ergonomic safety evaluation includes performing the ergonomic safety evaluation from the localized labor time standard. 12. The method of claim 11, wherein the one or more local workforce factors include a personal, fatigue and delay factor that is a numeric value applicable to the local workforce when performing activities required to complete tasks involved in the work instruction, and
wherein calculating the localized labor time standard includes adjusting the standardized labor time standard according to the personal, fatigue and delay factor. 13. The method of claim 8, wherein performing the ergonomic safety evaluation includes comparing the ergonomic safety rating to a maximum threshold allowance that is a numeric value representing a level of risk acceptable to allow release of the work instruction, the maximum threshold allowance being a function of the labor time standard. 14. The method of claim 13, wherein the maximum threshold allowance is further a function of a risk capacity factor that is a numeric value indicating an ability for an average worker of a local workforce to tolerate ergonomic risk or stress in comparison to an average worker of a global workforce population. 15. A computer-readable storage medium having computer-readable program code portions stored therein that, in response to execution by a processor, cause an apparatus to at least:
receive a plurality of work plans each of which includes a plurality of work instructions; and for each work instruction, determine work elements applicable to the work instruction, the work elements having respective associated elemental unit times, elemental risk ratings and frequency values; calculate a labor time standard and ergonomic safety rating from the elemental unit times, elemental risk ratings and frequency values for the work elements; and perform an ergonomic safety evaluation from the labor time standard and ergonomic safety rating, the ergonomic safety evaluator being configured to perform the ergonomic safety evaluation to determine whether to release or reject the work instruction. 16. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 15, wherein the apparatus being caused to calculate the labor time standard includes being caused to:
calculate elemental time standards for the work elements, the elemental time standard for each work element being calculated as a function of the elemental unit time and frequency value for the respective work element; and sum the elemental time standards to calculate the labor time standard. 17. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 15, wherein the apparatus being caused to calculate the ergonomic safety rating includes being caused to:
calculate elemental time standards for the work elements, the elemental time standard for each work element being calculated as a function of the elemental unit time and frequency value for the respective work element; multiply the elemental risk ratings and respective elemental time standards to produce respective products; and sum the products to calculate the ergonomic safety rating. 18. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 15, wherein the apparatus being caused to calculate the labor time standard includes being caused to:
calculate a standardized labor time standard from the elemental unit times and frequency values; and calculate a localized labor time standard from the standardized labor time standard, and from one or more local workforce factors, wherein the apparatus being caused to perform the ergonomic safety evaluation includes being caused to perform the ergonomic safety evaluation from the localized labor time standard. 19. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 18, wherein the one or more local workforce factors include a personal, fatigue and delay factor that is a numeric value applicable to the local workforce when performing activities required to complete tasks involved in the work instruction, and
wherein the apparatus being caused to calculate the localized labor time standard includes being caused to adjust the standardized labor time standard according to the personal, fatigue and delay factor. 20. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 15, wherein the apparatus being caused to perform the ergonomic safety evaluation includes being caused to compare the ergonomic safety rating to a maximum threshold allowance that is a numeric value representing a level of risk acceptable to allow release of the work instruction, the maximum threshold allowance being a function of the labor time standard. 21. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 20, wherein the maximum threshold allowance is further a function of a risk capacity factor that is a numeric value indicating an ability for an average worker of a local workforce to tolerate ergonomic risk or stress in comparison to an average worker of a global workforce population. | 3,600 |
12,799 | 12,799 | 14,079,402 | 3,693 | One embodiment of the invention provides for making electronic payments by scanning a merchant 2D code located near the point of sale with the customer's cell phone and transmitting the code or data embodied by the code to a payment center where the merchant's account can be credited and the customer's account debited without transmitting account information over the airwaves. In another embodiment of the invention, both parties transmit the same randomly generated 2D code or data embodied by the code to the payment center where they are matched to each other and to the buyer and seller to process the transaction. In a further embodiment of the invention, an inked tattoo or barcode marking is employed as a password to authorize access to smartphone applications for example, to make an electronic payment over a threshold amount. | 1. A method for conducting an electronic payment, said method employing
a seller bar code encoding information solely to enable electronic payment to a seller's account, said seller's account belonging to an intended recipient of the electronic payment, a buyer's smart-phone with a camera function for scanning or capturing an image of the seller bar code and a keypad for entering a payment amount, a remote electronic payment center for maintaining a buyer's account and making electronic payments from the buyer's account, a wireless communication system for transmitting data, including data representative of the seller bar code image, and the payment amount, to the remote electronic payment center, and applications present on the smart-phone and at the remote payment center to enable data transmission of the data over the wireless communication system from the buyer's smart-phone to the remote electronic payment center using a send command and to authorize the remote electronic payment center to electronically transfer funds from a buyer's account associated with the buyer's smart-phone to the seller's account, said method comprising providing an image of the seller bar code at a point of sale for goods or services, scanning or capturing an image of the seller bar code with the camera function of the smart phone, processing the image with the smart-phone application to form a wirelessly transmittable seller data file, wirelessly transmitting the seller data file from the smart-phone to the electronic payment center, wirelessly transmitting a payment data file representative of a payment amount from the smart-phone to the electronic payment center, electronically debiting the buyer's account by the payment amount, electronically crediting the seller's account by the payment amount, and transmitting data representative of the crediting of the seller's account to the seller. 2. A method as in claim 1 wherein the seller bar code is a two-dimensional bar code. 3. A method as in claim 1 wherein a user of the smart-phone enters a payment amount which is electronically transmitted to the electronic payment center. 4. A method as in claim 2 wherein the seller bar code is printed on a label or sign. 5. A method as in claim 2 wherein the seller bar code is electronically generated and is displayed on a viewer. 6. A method as in claim 5 wherein the seller bar code further encodes the amount of payment. 7. A method for a user to password-protect a selected smart-phone application residing on the user's smart-phone,
said smart-phone having a camera function, said method comprising providing the user of the smart phone with an inked two-dimensional barcode mark, providing the user's smart-phone application with an unlock application functionally dependent on scanning or capturing an image of the inked two-dimensional barcode mark with the camera function of the smart-phone and determining that the scanned or captured image is equal to a previously stored image, scanning or capturing an image of the barcode with the camera function of the smart-phone, and processing the image with the unlock application to access the password-protected smartphone application, wherein the user selects the smart-phone application to be protected by the unlock application. 8. A method as in claim 7 wherein the scanned or captured mark unlocks the application only if the mark is scanned or captured during a predetermined time period. 9. A method as in claim 7 wherein the inked two-dimensional bar code is printed on the skin of the user or a sticker applied to a personal object of the user. 10. A method as in claim 7 wherein the selected smartphone application is for making an electronic payment over a predetermined amount. 11. A method as in claim 10 further comprising
debiting a financial account of an owner of the smartphone in the amount of the electronic payment. 12. A method for conducting an electronic payment, said method employing
a sign displaying a seller bar code encoding information electronically linkable to a seller's account, said seller's account belonging to an intended recipient of the electronic payment, a smart-phone with a camera function for scanning or capturing an image of the seller bar code, a remote electronic payment center for maintaining a buyer's account and making electronic payments from the buyer's account, a wireless communication system for transmitting data, including data representative of the seller bar code image, from the camera to the remote electronic payment center, and applications present on the smart-phone and at the remote payment center to enable data transmission over the wireless communication system and to authorize the remote electronic payment center to electronically transfer funds from a buyer's account associated with the smart-phone owner to the seller's account, said method comprising displaying the sign at a point of sale for goods or services, scanning or capturing an image of the seller bar code with the camera function of the smart phone, processing the image with the smart-phone application to form a wirelessly transmittable seller data file, wirelessly transmitting the seller data file from the smart-phone to the electronic payment center, entering a payment amount using a keypad of the smartphone, wirelessly transmitting a payment data file representative of the payment amount from the smart-phone to the electronic payment center, electronically debiting the buyer's account by the payment amount, electronically crediting the seller's account by the payment amount, transmitting data representative of the crediting of the seller's account to the seller. 13. A method as in claim 12 wherein the seller bar code is a two-dimensional bar code consisting of only an identifying barcode for the seller. 14. A method as in claim 12 wherein a user of the smart-phone enters a payment amount which is electronically transmitted further electronically transmits an image of a user bar code to the electronic payment center. 15. A method for conducting an electronic payment, said method employing
a scannable machine-readable code encoding information sufficient to enable electronic payment to a payee's account, said payee's account belonging to an intended recipient of the electronic payment, a payor's smart-phone with a camera function for scanning or capturing an image of the payee's scannable machine-readable code and a keypad for entering a payment amount, a remote electronic payment center for maintaining a payor's account and making electronic payments from the payor's account, a wireless communication system for transmitting data, including data representative of the payee's scannable machine-readable code, the payment amount, and the payor's identity, to the remote electronic payment center, and applications present on the smart-phone and at the remote payment center to enable data transmission of the data over the wireless communication system from the payor's smart-phone to the remote electronic payment center using a send command and to authorize the remote electronic payment center to electronically transfer funds from a payor's account associated with the payor's smart-phone to the payee's account, said method comprising providing a scannable image of the payee's scannable machine-readable code at a point of sale for goods or services, the payor scanning or capturing an image of the payee's scannable machine-readable code with the camera function of the smart phone, the payor processing the scannable machine-readable image with the smart-phone application to form a wirelessly transmittable payee data file, the payor wirelessly transmitting the payee data file from the payor's smart-phone to the electronic payment center, the payor wirelessly transmitting a payment data file representative of a payment amount from the payor's smart-phone to the electronic payment center, electronically debiting the payor's account by the payment amount, electronically crediting the payee's account by the payment amount, and transmitting data representative of the crediting of the payee's account to the payee. 16. A method as in claim 15 further comprising
the payor wirelessly transmitting identity validation data for the payor from the payor's smart-phone to the electronic payment center. 17. A method as in claim 15 wherein
the payee's scannable machine-readable code encodes information only to enable electronic payment to the payee's account. 18. A method as in claim 15 wherein the scannable image of the payee's scannable machine-readable code is a 2-D bar code in printed form. | One embodiment of the invention provides for making electronic payments by scanning a merchant 2D code located near the point of sale with the customer's cell phone and transmitting the code or data embodied by the code to a payment center where the merchant's account can be credited and the customer's account debited without transmitting account information over the airwaves. In another embodiment of the invention, both parties transmit the same randomly generated 2D code or data embodied by the code to the payment center where they are matched to each other and to the buyer and seller to process the transaction. In a further embodiment of the invention, an inked tattoo or barcode marking is employed as a password to authorize access to smartphone applications for example, to make an electronic payment over a threshold amount.1. A method for conducting an electronic payment, said method employing
a seller bar code encoding information solely to enable electronic payment to a seller's account, said seller's account belonging to an intended recipient of the electronic payment, a buyer's smart-phone with a camera function for scanning or capturing an image of the seller bar code and a keypad for entering a payment amount, a remote electronic payment center for maintaining a buyer's account and making electronic payments from the buyer's account, a wireless communication system for transmitting data, including data representative of the seller bar code image, and the payment amount, to the remote electronic payment center, and applications present on the smart-phone and at the remote payment center to enable data transmission of the data over the wireless communication system from the buyer's smart-phone to the remote electronic payment center using a send command and to authorize the remote electronic payment center to electronically transfer funds from a buyer's account associated with the buyer's smart-phone to the seller's account, said method comprising providing an image of the seller bar code at a point of sale for goods or services, scanning or capturing an image of the seller bar code with the camera function of the smart phone, processing the image with the smart-phone application to form a wirelessly transmittable seller data file, wirelessly transmitting the seller data file from the smart-phone to the electronic payment center, wirelessly transmitting a payment data file representative of a payment amount from the smart-phone to the electronic payment center, electronically debiting the buyer's account by the payment amount, electronically crediting the seller's account by the payment amount, and transmitting data representative of the crediting of the seller's account to the seller. 2. A method as in claim 1 wherein the seller bar code is a two-dimensional bar code. 3. A method as in claim 1 wherein a user of the smart-phone enters a payment amount which is electronically transmitted to the electronic payment center. 4. A method as in claim 2 wherein the seller bar code is printed on a label or sign. 5. A method as in claim 2 wherein the seller bar code is electronically generated and is displayed on a viewer. 6. A method as in claim 5 wherein the seller bar code further encodes the amount of payment. 7. A method for a user to password-protect a selected smart-phone application residing on the user's smart-phone,
said smart-phone having a camera function, said method comprising providing the user of the smart phone with an inked two-dimensional barcode mark, providing the user's smart-phone application with an unlock application functionally dependent on scanning or capturing an image of the inked two-dimensional barcode mark with the camera function of the smart-phone and determining that the scanned or captured image is equal to a previously stored image, scanning or capturing an image of the barcode with the camera function of the smart-phone, and processing the image with the unlock application to access the password-protected smartphone application, wherein the user selects the smart-phone application to be protected by the unlock application. 8. A method as in claim 7 wherein the scanned or captured mark unlocks the application only if the mark is scanned or captured during a predetermined time period. 9. A method as in claim 7 wherein the inked two-dimensional bar code is printed on the skin of the user or a sticker applied to a personal object of the user. 10. A method as in claim 7 wherein the selected smartphone application is for making an electronic payment over a predetermined amount. 11. A method as in claim 10 further comprising
debiting a financial account of an owner of the smartphone in the amount of the electronic payment. 12. A method for conducting an electronic payment, said method employing
a sign displaying a seller bar code encoding information electronically linkable to a seller's account, said seller's account belonging to an intended recipient of the electronic payment, a smart-phone with a camera function for scanning or capturing an image of the seller bar code, a remote electronic payment center for maintaining a buyer's account and making electronic payments from the buyer's account, a wireless communication system for transmitting data, including data representative of the seller bar code image, from the camera to the remote electronic payment center, and applications present on the smart-phone and at the remote payment center to enable data transmission over the wireless communication system and to authorize the remote electronic payment center to electronically transfer funds from a buyer's account associated with the smart-phone owner to the seller's account, said method comprising displaying the sign at a point of sale for goods or services, scanning or capturing an image of the seller bar code with the camera function of the smart phone, processing the image with the smart-phone application to form a wirelessly transmittable seller data file, wirelessly transmitting the seller data file from the smart-phone to the electronic payment center, entering a payment amount using a keypad of the smartphone, wirelessly transmitting a payment data file representative of the payment amount from the smart-phone to the electronic payment center, electronically debiting the buyer's account by the payment amount, electronically crediting the seller's account by the payment amount, transmitting data representative of the crediting of the seller's account to the seller. 13. A method as in claim 12 wherein the seller bar code is a two-dimensional bar code consisting of only an identifying barcode for the seller. 14. A method as in claim 12 wherein a user of the smart-phone enters a payment amount which is electronically transmitted further electronically transmits an image of a user bar code to the electronic payment center. 15. A method for conducting an electronic payment, said method employing
a scannable machine-readable code encoding information sufficient to enable electronic payment to a payee's account, said payee's account belonging to an intended recipient of the electronic payment, a payor's smart-phone with a camera function for scanning or capturing an image of the payee's scannable machine-readable code and a keypad for entering a payment amount, a remote electronic payment center for maintaining a payor's account and making electronic payments from the payor's account, a wireless communication system for transmitting data, including data representative of the payee's scannable machine-readable code, the payment amount, and the payor's identity, to the remote electronic payment center, and applications present on the smart-phone and at the remote payment center to enable data transmission of the data over the wireless communication system from the payor's smart-phone to the remote electronic payment center using a send command and to authorize the remote electronic payment center to electronically transfer funds from a payor's account associated with the payor's smart-phone to the payee's account, said method comprising providing a scannable image of the payee's scannable machine-readable code at a point of sale for goods or services, the payor scanning or capturing an image of the payee's scannable machine-readable code with the camera function of the smart phone, the payor processing the scannable machine-readable image with the smart-phone application to form a wirelessly transmittable payee data file, the payor wirelessly transmitting the payee data file from the payor's smart-phone to the electronic payment center, the payor wirelessly transmitting a payment data file representative of a payment amount from the payor's smart-phone to the electronic payment center, electronically debiting the payor's account by the payment amount, electronically crediting the payee's account by the payment amount, and transmitting data representative of the crediting of the payee's account to the payee. 16. A method as in claim 15 further comprising
the payor wirelessly transmitting identity validation data for the payor from the payor's smart-phone to the electronic payment center. 17. A method as in claim 15 wherein
the payee's scannable machine-readable code encodes information only to enable electronic payment to the payee's account. 18. A method as in claim 15 wherein the scannable image of the payee's scannable machine-readable code is a 2-D bar code in printed form. | 3,600 |
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