1595results about "Data sorting" patented technology

A medication delivery system (20) having features of the present invention comprises a medical container (26) holding a prescribed medication (27) to be delivered to a patient, a tag 24 adapted to be worn by the patient, a handheld computing device (22), and an electronic medication delivery device (30). Data on the medication (27) is contained in a first label (28) on the medication container (27). The first label (28) also contains the instruction on how the medication is delivered to the patient, including the appropriate settings for an electronic medication delivery device for delivering the medication to the patient. Patient data is contained in a second label (29) on the tag (24) worn by the patient. The medication data, medication delivery instruction, and patient data are provided in machine readable formats. The handheld computing device (22) reads the medication data and the medication delivery instruction on the medication container (26) and the patient data on the patient tag (24). The handheld computing device (22) stores the information obtained and performs a matching check to confirm that the medication data matches with the patient data. Upon a confirmed match, it transmits the medication delivery instruction to the electronic medication delivery device (30), which downloads the instruction, programs the delivery device 30, and prompts an operator to begin delivering the medication (27) to the patient according to the downloaded instruction.

A computer based, digital image management system that visually presents an entire archive in a manner that facilitates easy, non-textual, searching for specific images. The system consists of two main elements; a file management methodology, and a graphical user interface. The file management method utilizes reference files that contain multiple properties (metadata) relating to each image file. Image files are grouped into a multiplicity of collections based on user-defined associations of the properties. The graphical user interface visually represents the groups of image files on 2-dimensional or 3-dimensional graphic metaphors. In addition, the graphical interface uses multiple display variables such as icons, mnemonics, size, movement, color, and luminance to signify relationships between groups, and / or communicate key properties of individual or groups of images.

Applications of RFID technology include: RFID Tags on Automobiles in Parking Garages; RFID w / Toothbrushes; RFID Tags For Laundry Settings; RFID Tags Or Labels to Find a Mate; RFID To Identify The Value Of Coins; RFID Tags In The Doctors Office; RFID Tags Or Labels In Game Arcades; RFID With Prisoners; RFID Tags To Identify Soldiers; RFID Labels As Tags To Label Particular Components Of Aircraft or Other Structures; Car, Snowmobile, Boat, Etc. Ignition That Won't Start Without RFID Card; Car seats with RFID reader and memory; Air bags that adjust based on information on RFID; Car that keeps track of GPS info and knows whos driving based on RFID; RFID Smart Closet; Method of taking attendance; RFID on networked desks to monitor the location of individuals; Personal computer reads RFID to log you in and take you to favorite web page, load favorites list, etc.; RFID labels on Files; RFID address label versions of all label and sheet inventions; RFID sports tickets; Combination function invitation and RFID chip to allow admittance; Roll of tape with RFID built in; Schoolbus reads which kids getting on, keeps record; RFID on each car wheel; RFID key to operate common-area laundry; RFID to automatically adjust weights / treadmill settings in gym; RFID w / clothes measurements, save shelf space at store, get proper size; RFID keyring w / car information; Keep track of who's driving around neighborhood; RFID dental implant; RFID Thumbtack; RFID Doorstop; RFID identification of boats or ships at docks; RFID on cups w / specifics of favorite coffee drinks; RFID on bridges with RFID tanks on top of cars, to detect speeding; RFID on studs in a wall and RFID reader that acts as a stud finder; RFID tags or labels inside tires; RFID cards supplied with newspapers or magazines; RFID card that lights up a when the user reaches a particular location; RFID sports ticket w / automatic map generation to seat; RFID card to tell school cafeteria what lunch to prepare for particular student; student desk with slot to receive RFID card, desks on networks together, Central computing system can tell where any particular student is sitting at any given moment within the school; RFID readers on outdoor play equipment; Authentication of Expensive Items With RFID; Paintings or other art work with RFID label to be used to verify the number in a limited series; RFID on sports helmet or uniform; RFID chips in paint; RFID cards issued to airline passengers to identify type of drinks and meals for a particular passenger, etc.; Greeting Cards With RFID; Decorative Tiles With RFID Tags; RFID in Car Washes; and Adaptive Advertising Based on RFID Information.

A method and apparatus for a network-wide authentication and authorization mapping system for a network is provided. The global authentication and authorization mapping system enables a seamless transition from one web-based application in the network configuration to another web-based application in the network configuration, including a single sign-on capability for users. There are no localized security enforcement processes required to further authenticate a user.

A financial services and transaction network including multiple networked validation stations and remote terminals allows users to access a number of financial services and transactions. A user visiting a remote terminal indicates a desired service or transaction. The user provides any currency or funding information needed for the selected service, after which the remote terminal issues the user a transaction voucher. The user can take this transaction voucher to any of the validation stations in order to authenticate the user's identity and activate the voucher. Once the voucher is activated, the user or a recipient of the voucher can present the voucher at any remote terminal to receive funding or otherwise complete the transaction or service, subject to recipient authentication. The user provides necessary information using the remote terminal or validation station, or supplies the information using the voucher, which is collected upon performance of the requested service or transaction.

A bank (or merchant) hosts and operates an online money transfer service (or “portal”). A sender logs into the portal and enters payment card and money transfer details and then submits the transaction. An authentication window appears displaying the sender's transaction details and the sender is prompted to enter his or her password. Upon successful authentication, the bank seeks authorization from the card issuer. Upon successful authorization, the bank credits the recipient's local bank account or existing payment card. The recipient can also receive a check, a draft, a prepaid card or cash. The money transfer service is used both cross-border and domestic to effect person-to-person money transfer. The money transfer service uses the “Verified by Visa” authentication service and VisaNet for authorization. Messages over VisaNet are used to deliver funds to a recipient.

A highly integrated and flexible system for vending products and services to consumers. The system receives information in advance of the vend by having the consumer insert an identification (ID) card, preferably a driver's license, into a point-of-purchase terminal (referred to as an OSU device). The OSU device preferably contains an Optical Scanning Unit (OSU), capable of scanning the textual information on the ID card. In one embodiment, the scanned information is compared against optical templates present in the system to discern or verify the information on the ID card, and is then used by the system to enable or disable the vending transaction, and / or to allow access to several preregistered system accounts.

An integrated pharmacy system receives prescription information, creates a substitution reference list identifying the requested medical item and a plurality of equivalent medical items, automatically selects one of the items identified on the substitution reference list, fills the prescription, checks the accuracy of the filled prescription, facilitates the sales exchange, and creates an archive of the transaction, although not all steps need to be performed for every application. The integrated pharmacy system can also prevent unauthorized users from performing improper functions such as, for example, attempting to dispense an item which is not a proper substitute for the requested item. The present invention, by automatically substituting equivalent medical items for a requested medical item and by automatically archiving each prescription transaction, simplifies the prescription filling and record keeping requirements for the pharmacy technician and pharmacist.

A portable content playback device that includes the ability to accept a media with electronic playback credits, i.e. a smart card, that is pre-loaded with credits. Alternatively, the device may have internal memory that is capable of storing electronic credits. Consequently, when a user plays the content that is protected so that it may only be played only in a “pay per play” application credits are deducted from the media that manages the amount of electronic credits available to the user.

A system for authorizing a check cashing transaction between a consumer and a merchant using identity verification based on biometric information. A system comprises a central biometric information database containing biometric and personal identity-verifying data registered therein by a consumer and containing merchant identity-verifying data registered therein by a merchant. The system further comprises a merchant local device having a biometric reader and linked via a network to the central biometric information database. Using the biometric reader, a consumer desiring to cash a check presents biometric data to the central biometric information database via the biometric reader. The central biometric information database provides an electronic comparison of the present biometric data with the biometric data registered by the consumer. If the presented data and the registered data match, an approval signal is transmitted to the merchant local device.

Certain examples provide systems and methods for analysis and graphical visualization of healthcare services data. Certain examples provide a healthcare services analysis and visualization system. The system includes a data store to store data related to healthcare services provided in at least one geographic region. The system also includes a processor to retrieve and sort data from the data store based on one or more criteria, analyze the sorted data, and transform the sorted data into a geographical map representation of the healthcare services data. The system includes a user interface to display the geographical map representation of the healthcare services data and facilitate user review and interaction with the geographical map representation and the underlying healthcare services data.

Methods and devices are provided for managing gaming accounts. Some aspects of the invention provide for the cancellation, revocation or consolidation of cashless gaming instruments. For example, if a player has lost a cashless gaming instrument, the player could request that the cashless gaming instrument be cancelled. The request could be made in response to information (such as an activity log, an account statement, etc.) presented by a central network device. The information could be presented on a screen, printed on paper, etc. In order for such a request to be acted upon, it is preferable that the player, the gaming establishment that issued the cashless gaming instrument and the cashless gaming instrument itself be positively identified. Some implementations of the present invention provide for more flexible redemption in a cashless gaming system. Some such implementations allow a player to “cash out,” preferably in a single transaction, after one or more gaming sessions. The gaming sessions may have been conducted at different gaming machines and / or at different casinos. Some implementations allow a player to cash out without a cashless gaming instrument.

A system and a method for money sharing are provided. The system includes a processor configured to receive a deposit amount and assign an account value to a stored-value account. The stored-value account is stored in a storage device. The processor then dispenses two or more stored-value cards associated with the stored-value account. The stored-value cards can be distributed among two or more cardholders who may withdraw money from the stored-value account at a remote access unit configured to accept any of the distributed stored-value cards associated with the same account. Additional deposit amount can be received into the stored-value account from a cardholder of any distributed stored-value cards associated with the same account. The remote access unit can be unattended. The cards can be ATM-enabled.

Systems and methods for accepting payments for goods and services provided by a consumer provider. The methods can include associating consumers and consumer providers with a payment provider. The payment provider can receive payments destined for the consumer provider, associate the payments with one or more identifiers, and transfer at least portions of the receive payments to the consumer provider. The systems can include a point-of-sale device configured to accept payments from consumers on behalf of consumer providers. In some cases, the systems include a plurality of such point-of-sale devices in communication with a payment provider control. The payment provider control can be in communication with one or more consumer provider controls.

A remote ordering device for placing orders though cell phones or other data entry and wireless transmission devices and a data receiving station to receive the data, process the orders and keep track of accounts, inventory and retain other data as required. The receiving station can be in communication with other receiving stations to forward orders or data. The receiving station can provide instructions to a person or machine to fill orders at any desired location. The instructions may be printed out or displayed on a screen. A GPS, WAP or other location finding systems, may be used to identify the user's location. Bioelectronics, Caller I.D, pin numbers or other identification means can be used to verify the user for debiting accounts or credit cards. Users can remotely order tickets, meals, services, or control machines remotely and either arrange for pick up at a desired location or for delivery.

An electronic ticket issuing system and an electronic ticket issuing method for simplifying authentication procedures by the use of biological information such as a fingerprint and voiceprint. First, a ticket buyer sends a request for ticket purchase to a ticket issuing center using his / her mobile terminal. The ticket issuing center transmits a request for issue of an electronic certificate to request an authentication department to issue an electronic certificate. The authentication department creates an electronic certificate to which the biological information about the ticket buyer is added. The ticket issuing center transmits an electronic ticket including the electronic certificate to the mobile phone. When the ticket buyer participates in an event with the electronic ticket, the ticket buyer transmits the electronic ticket with the biological information to an authentication terminal. In addition, the ticket buyer inputs his / her biological information at the moment into the authentication terminal. Subsequently, the authentication terminal compares the two pieces of biological information for authentication. Since the electronic ticket includes the biological information, the authentication terminal can perform high-security authentication without exchanging the biological information with the authentication department via a network.

A method and system for automated generation of social networks. A graphical user interface receives a user query for an entity of interest, and outputs a graphical network showing entities and associations related to the entity of interest. A search engine interface transmits the query to a search engine, and receives references to documents. A named entity extractor downloads a selection of the documents, and generates a list of named entities referenced in the downloaded documents. A network inference module receives each list of named entities, and generates associations between the named entities in each list. An entity matcher operates on the associations to consolidate them in instances wherein differently named entities are determined to be the same named entity, and provides a consolidated list of named entities and associations to the user interface for display as a graphical network.

A lottery management system provides the ability to integrate various lottery system types into a single lottery management solution so as to allow the customized deployment of various lottery system attributes. In one embodiment, lottery system attributes include game types, reporting functions, system administration, point-of-sale integration, device and network-specific interfaces and retail management. The present invention can include a lottery transaction server, a message exchange component, thin client components, thick client components and software development kits.

A retail transaction system provides enhanced customer convenience and increased transaction security by sending transaction information to a cellular network provider via a customer's digital cellular phone. For example, a fuel dispenser is equipped with a communications link allowing direct communications to a customer's cellular phone. When a customer desires to conduct a transaction using the fuel dispenser, the fuel dispenser transmits select information to the customer's cellular telephone using this communications link. A telephone number is included in the select information. When the customer presses send, or otherwise causes their telephone to dial the number transferred from the fuel dispenser, the select information along with any additional customer information is sent to the cellular network. This information is used by the network to authorize a purchase transaction for the customer, such authorization information returned to the fueling station at which the fuel dispenser is located via a cellular link. For enhanced security, the customer may be required to input their PIN in order to complete the transaction. Notably, the PIN and the remainder of the transaction information sent from the customer phone to the cellular network is intrinsically secure due to the digital encryption employed by the digital cellular protocol. Optionally, the system may be configured to cause the customer's cellular phone to automatically dial the number transferred by the fuel dispenser. This capability may be enabled at the customer's option. The system may be extended to other retail systems including in-store point-of-sale systems (POS).

A system and method that enables the user to search and identify meaningful and relevant information, based upon the weighted, custom parameters provided by the user and parameters or rules defined by the community of users as a group, with the option of utilizing user profile information to tune or detune searching, comparing or contrasting, and predicting. User profile information is collected and organized with data and feedback collected from other users. The results are then tailored to a weighted, cumulative summary result, for display that benefits the contributing user and subsequent future community or user group associations (UGA). The methods provide a summary, or result, that can be tailored specifically to the user based upon weighted rules (algorithms) and parameters defined by the user (or a user group as a whole), and the weighted rules and parameters defined as meaningful by the user (group).

The transaction method is for secure payment by credit cards or debit cards for goods or services with the use or mobile devices. The payment authorization center delivers a public portion of the authorization token to the service provider via the existing communication channels and the private portion of the authorization token is delivered to the mobile device via SMS or USSD or e-mail short message. The mobile device delivers the private authorization token to the service provider via a private local network based on bluetooth, infrared or other short radio frequency based technology. The credit card or debit card number is never revealed and a temporary card token replaces it.

An automated movie rental and notification system includes a computer having a movie database containing hold and reservation lists and movie records. The system receives rental requests, each request including a selected movie title, reservation mode, reservation time, and submitter contact information. If the reservation mode is a hold mode, the request is added to the hold list. If the mode is a reserve mode and the selected title will be available by the selected reservation time, then the request is added to the reserve list. When the movie title is available, submitters of the hold list requests associated with that title are successively contacted using respective submitter information to inform the submitter of availability until a positive response is returned from a submitter. Requests on the reserve list are selected for contact a predetermined amount of time before the selected reservation time.

Parking meters detect presence of vehicles in monitored parking spaces and obtain images of license plates. A parking enforcement system communicates with the parking meters and manages use of parking spaces.

The present invention relates to an apparatus and a method for wireless purchase of merchandise from a vending machine by using a cellular mobile phone. The present invention permits a cellular mobile phone user to dial a sequence of code on the phone to invoke the vending machine to dispense merchandise, where payment is charged to the mobile phone account. The present invention also relates to an apparatus and a method for on-line inventory management. With on-line inventory management, the present invention provides high efficient operation, reduced operation cost, and just-in-time service and merchandise delivery. The present invention further relates to an apparatus and a method that allow both on-line inventory management and wireless purchase of merchandise in a vending machine.

A method and system for advertising selection, placement management, payment and delivery in a dynamic, real-time environment wherein the production, listing, procurement, payment, real time management, re-allocation and financial settlement of all types of digital advertising mediums, with optional automated delivery for advertisement and messaging for such ads is performed. The planning, purchasing, delivery and payment for on-line and traditional media advertising is automated, standardized and tracked across multiple mediums, such as TV, Internet, satellite, radio, wireless telephone, outdoor screens, and other digital mediums that display dynamic content. As a result, transparency and discovery of price, performance and availability segmented by specific markets and customer profiles for specific products is achieved. A buyer / seller real time feedback is provided to allow both buyers and sellers to dynamically change existing ads, ad space, prices, etc, in a real time environment based on real time sale / conversion feedback.