1745results about "Franking apparatus" patented technology

The invention can enable monitoring of the display of content by a computer system. Moreover, the invention can enable monitoring of the displayed content to produce monitoring information from which conclusions may be deduced regarding the observation of the displayed content by an observer. The invention can also enable monitoring of the display at a content display site of content that is provided by a content provider site over a network to the content display site. Additionally, the invention can enable the expeditious provision of updated and/or tailored content over a network from a content provider site to a content display site so that the content provider's current and appropriately tailored content is always displayed at the content display site. Aspects of the invention related to transfer of content over a network are generally applicable to any type of network. However, it is contemplated that the invention can be particularly useful with a computer network, including private computer networks (e.g., America Online TM ) and public computer networks (e.g., the Internet). In particular, the invention can be advantageously used with computer networks or portions of computer networks over which video and/or audio content are transferred from one network site to another network site for observation, such as the World Wide Web portion of the Internet.

A method and system is provided for storing and manipulating customer purchase information received from a plurality of sources. A computer system may be used comprising a storage device for storing the customer purchase information and a processor for processing the customer purchase information. The method may include receiving the customer purchase information; organizing the customer purchase information within a predetermined organizational structure; creating a customer preference based at least in part on the customer purchase information; and aggregating customer purchases for merchant classes based on the customer purchase information so as to generate aggregated customer purchase information. The method may further include generating marketing information based on at least one of the customer preference and the aggregated customer purchase information.

A virtual pooled account is used in operating a system having multiple financial partners. In a specific implementation, the system is a mobile banking system. Instead of maintaining separate general ledgers for each financial institution, the system will keep one general virtual pooled account. This will reduce the settlement and operational costs of the system. The owner of the virtual pooled account will receive the float on the virtual pooled account, and this float will be distributed to the multiple financial partners according to a formula.

Processing systems and methods receive events, such as a transaction to an account, and converts the events into messages. Each message then invokes one or more rules which are executed by a rules engine. The execution of these rules may invoke the execution of additional rules. After all rules have executed, the account associated with the event is updated, such as by projecting the account. The rules have their parameters defined in a repository so that the parameters can be easily changed without any need to recompile. The processing systems receive authorizations and other transactions and runs in real-time as transactions arrive. As a result, balances are updated continuously and accounts are read and updated only when there is activity. Hierarchy is user configurable, including multiple hierarchy to any depth. System operations are controlled by rules and their parameters and most modifications can be accomplished without access to source code.

A system and method for processing a wireless electronic payment transaction is described. One embodiment comprises receiving a transaction authorization request for an electronic payment transaction from a customer, the authorization request submitted from a mobile communication device of the customer; authenticating the transaction authorization request; authorizing the transaction authorization request and transmitting an authorization code to the mobile communication device, the authorization code being communicated to a merchant from the customer; receiving a transaction approval request from the merchant, the transaction approval request submitted from a virtual terminal associated with the merchant, the virtual terminal being a wireless communication device having a point of sale processing application installed therein; authenticating the transaction approval request; approving the transaction approval request and transmitting an approval code to the virtual terminal; and generating and executing transaction settlement instructions between a financial account of the customer and a financial account of the merchant.

The present invention is a system comprising image capture device, such as a scanner or digital camera connected to a computer processor that is able to capture and store images, and method of using the same for storing and processing expense receipts. The computer processor analyzes the images of the receipts, converts the images to text, analyzes the data, extracts expense data, and puts the data into an expense report. The end user can review the captured expense data, correct it or add to it. Preferably, the system displays the image of the receipt side-by-side with the captured expense data to make review and editing easier. In a preferred embodiment the image capture device is portable, such as a handheld scanner or digital camera, so that a user can scan receipts while traveling and discard the receipt. Also, in a preferred embodiment, the images are encrypted to prevent tampering by the user or a third party, and thereby preserve the integrity of the receipt image. In one preferred embodiment, receipt images or uploaded via the Internet an intranet, or other network to a remote data storage facility to further protect the images, both from tampering and from loss.

A method and system for transferring electronic funds over the Internet wherein a sender provides payment information to a transfer processing system. The sender may choose from a plurality of different types of funds transfer, such as wire transfer, Western Union money transfer, various types of checks, and transfers to ATM debit/credit cards. The transfer processing system sends an electronic payment message to a recipient indicating the transfer of funds and a transfer message to a financial institution providing instructions to debit the sender's account and make those funds available to the recipient. If the recipient has an account with a financial institution that is affiliated with the transfer processing system of the present invention, the funds are credited to the recipient's account wherein the payment message serves as a confirmation message. If the recipient does not have such an account, the recipient may access the transfer processing system to access the funds made available by the system wherein the payment message serves as a payment availability message.

A system and method for detecting duplicate checks during processing. The duplicate detection may be performed by a financial institution, such as a bank. The method may be implemented on a computer based system. The duplicate detection method may be automated. The method may be applied to incoming check files prior to processing of the check data to prevent processing of duplicate checks. The system and method may use a function, such as a hash function, to perform the duplicate detection. Other functions, such as a Bloom filter which may use multiple hash functions, may be used to perform the duplicate detection.

The present invention provides methods, systems and transaction cards or identification systems, using transaction network comprising proprietary card network, EFT, ACH, or ATM, for end user management of a global financial account by manual or automatic prepaying, prepaying, paying or unpaying, debiting or crediting, or readjustment or presetting, using parameters relating to portions of paid or unpaid financial transactions or account balance amounts in multiple credit, cash or other existing, or end user created, financial accounts or sub-accounts in said global financial account that is optionally subject to financial account issuer transaction or readjustment fees from end users and merchants, including optional use for financial transactions as a credit transaction card requiring merchant credit card interchange or other fees, and optional end user fees, as additional revenue to the global account issuer.

A customer computer connects to an online service provider by phone, Internet, or other telecommunications link. The link gives the customer access to additional processing and storage resources such as virtual storage, processing power and/or additional software or data through interaction between the customer computer and an online service provider computer over the link. The additional resources made available to the customer computer enhance the customers' local needs through access to virtual storage, a more powerful processor of similar type for program execution, and/or online support services such as software rental, software sales, release update services, anti-viral services, data backup and recovery services, diagnostic services and/or repair services.

Methods and apparatus for determining a value of a commercial market that can be supported by an electronic payment solution, forecasting a growth of the commercial market, and using the commercial expenditure value are disclosed. The value of the commercial market can be estimated using auditable economic data that forms part of a Gross Domestic Product (GDP) calculation. The commercial market can be estimated using intermediate inputs, inventory purchase, private fixed investments, and government expenditures. A market growth can then be estimated from the commercial expenditure value and other economic data. The commercial expenditure value can be used in a number of resource allocation and market solution processes.

According to an embodiment, a data processing system for facilitating consumer identity resolution comprises: a first logic module adapted to receive at least two collections of consumer records from at least two different sources; a second logic module adapted to compute first trust scores for first data fields of the first collection and second trust scores for second data fields of the second collection; a third logic module adapted to generate a master collection of consumer records comprising at least one master consumer record that is correlated to a record from the first collection and a record from the second collection, the correlation being based on at least on the trust scores; and a fourth logic module adapted to receive a set of contextual transaction data. The data processing system is adapted to identify a consumer based on the contextual transaction data and the master collection of consumer records.

A business method is disclosed directed to attempting to saving clients money on their communications services. Specifically, billing information is obtained for a client and loaded into a database. An initial rate is determined based on this billing information, along with possibly an add on rate for add on services, which can provide a combined rate charge. At least one of the initial rate and combined rates are compared to a derived rate which is calculated by applying an algorithm to the database which applies the actual data to a plurality of rate plans provided by communications carriers to see which rate plan might provide savings for the client, if any. If savings are achieved, at least recommending if not switching to another rate plan, possibly of an other carrier.

When purchasing an item or service, a user enters a PIN enter their mobile communication device and send the PIN, e.g., via text message to a payment authority. The payment authority authenticates the user using at least the PIN and the mobile communication device identifier associated with the user's mobile communication device. If the user is authenticated, then the payment authority will send a transaction code back to the user, which will be displayed on the user's mobile communication device. The user can then provide the transaction code to the merchant. The merchant can enter the transaction code into the Merchant's point of sale system and complete the transaction.

The invention provides various systems and methods for providing universal access to loyalty programs and/or financial accounts. The method includes initializing a universal loyalty program account and financial account device. The method further includes associating loyalty program accounts and/or financial accounts with the universal loyalty program and financial instrument device. The method then accesses at least one of the loyalty program accounts and/or the financial accounts at a customer facing device using the universal loyalty program account and financial account device.

The communication device comprising a voice communicating implementer, a payment monetary value data transmitting implementer, a remaining monetary value data updating implementer, an automated supplementary monetary value data adding implementer, and a simultaneous implementation implementer.

Systems and methods for defining, observing and detecting triggering user account events that initiate a user account alert message to be sent to one or more users are disclosed. Location and merchant, transaction result, device and, usage history/trend types of user account alerts and trigger criteria can be defined or selected by users, issuers were notification alert engines. Alternatively, user account alerts and trigger criteria can be defined by analyzing previously observed user account events, such as credit card transactions, to determine user profiles and user account usage trends, i.e. credit card spending patterns, as baselines for comparing newly observed user account events. If information associated with the newly observed user account events match any of the trigger criteria or are inconsistent with the determined user profile or user account usage trends, then user account alerts can be sent to one or more users.

A mail delivery system for facilitating delivery of a plurality of mail pieces sorted into a plurality of containers to a postal service. The mail delivery system includes a mail piece information apparatus for determining information about each of the mail pieces, such as by scanning delivery addresses of the mail pieces. A sorting apparatus associates an identifiers of the containers with mail pieces sorted into the containers. A tracking system tracks the containers through delivery using the container identifiers. Paperless manifests describing the mail pieces in the containers and delivery of the containers to a postal service location are generated by the system by correlating tracking information on the containers with contents information for the containers using the identifier. The mail delivery system is also configured to implement quality control processes and billing using the tracking and manifest information, resulting in time savings and increased billing accuracy.

A method is disclosed for authorizing a prepaid network service in a data network. A network end station issues a request for a prepaid network service. At a network node, such as a router serving as a gateway for selecting services, a determination is made about whether a user associated with the end station is authorized to access the prepaid network service. Network traffic from the end station is forwarded to a service provider only when the user is authorized to use the prepaid network service. Specific embodiments provide message flows among a mobile station, gateway support node, router, and authentication server that support providing prepaid services in a packet-switched network for mobile communication. In certain embodiments, a connection is held open for an end station while a prepaid quota value is refreshed at a portal, thereby reducing overhead and precluding the need to repeat user logon steps. Further, unused quota amounts can be returned to the authentication server for use in association with multiple concurrent connections of the same device.

The Accounts Receivable System's Credit Inquiry Module reviews payment history and performs credit inquiries by analyzing data from internal and external sources. The Credit Inquiry Module uses this analysis for credit management and customer contact. The Credit Inquiry Module based on customer payment data predicts overall cash forecasting for the client. The Credit Inquiry Module is utilized for account reconciliation and audit verification for tracking transactions at the customer level.

A configuration system for a process plant uses module class objects to assist in configuring, organizing and changing the control and display activities within the process plant. Each module class object generically models or represents a process entity, such as a unit, a piece of equipment, a control activity, etc., and may be used to create instances of the object, called module objects, which represent and are tied to specific equipment within the process plant. The module class objects may represent process entities of any desired scope, which means that a single module class object may be used to configure the control and display activities of process entities of any desired scope within the process plant, instead of just at a control module level. In particular, module class objects of a large scope may be used to configure large sections or portions of the process plant, which makes configuration of the process plant easier and less time consuming. A module class object may be a unit module class object reflecting a physical unit within the process plant, an equipment module class object reflecting a physical piece of equipment within the process plant, a control module class object reflecting a control module or scheme within the process plant, or a display module class object reflecting a display routine that provides information to a user within the process plant.

A system that automates the clearing and settlement of electronic coupons (E-Coupons) by leveraging existing technologies and enabling E-Coupon redemption at any merchant having electronic funds transfer (EFT) capabilities, such as credit/debit card acceptance. The system reduces opportunities for fraud, reduces or eliminates the need for manual clearinghouse counting and sorting of coupons, and provides an electronic audit trail for coupon redemption, tying a specific purchase to a specific coupon. After registering and selecting coupons, consumers then use an E-Coupon card or account access device at a merchant's point-of-sale (POS) terminal. E-Coupon values are deducted from the consumer's final amount due. Both consumer package goods manufacturers (CPGs) and merchants may be charged a fee. Expired coupons are automatically removed from the account and their value refunded to the CPGs. Reports on redeemed coupons and consumer profiles can be generated and provided to CPGs or merchants.

In a campaign, a customer's file is reviewed to determine the offer or solicitation to send to the customer and the time such will remain open, and an e-mail message is sent to the customer that contains the offer or solicitation in text, a packet, or a URL address for a protected personalized web page (501). The packet may be opened on-line or off-line allowing the customer to provide information or terms that are subsequently sent to (505) the originator. Alternatively, such information is obtained via the protected, personalized web page to which the customer is referred. If the customer provides acceptable information and terms (510, 515), the transaction is completed (520).

A rule set is used to determine at least one rule for authorizing a transaction debiting an account of an authorized user. Subsequently, the account is debited, according to the at least one rule, in real time if the transaction is authorized. The real time debit is settled with transaction providers in accordance with at least one settlement rule. If it is determined that the authorized user does not have sufficient funds in an authorized user account to debit for the transaction, the authorized user account may be recharged by a recharge routine that includes determining a recharge user account to transfer funds from and authorizing the transfer by at least one of referring to a pre-authorized transfer and requesting authorization from the authorized user. The transaction may be requested and the transaction providers may be connected via heterogeneous networks.

The systems, methods and related software products which enable users to temporarily store and subsequently retrieve information are disclosed. The system includes a plurality of input devices, client computers (each having a user-specific personal finance application) and a web-site server with a database. The input devices, client computers and server are communicatively linked via a communication network so that a plurality of users can temporarily store and/or manipulate financial transaction information on the server from any of the input devices. Each user can also transmit financial profile information to the server. This information enables the server to replicate the unique profile characteristics for each of the finance applications. This, in turn, simplifies remote entry of information, subsequent download of that information and integration of such information into each user's personal finance application.

Methods of paying user bills on behalf of a user are described. In one embodiment, the method includes receiving from a vendor a user bill having a user identifier, a vendor identifier, and a bill amount. The method further includes obtaining the user identifier, the vendor identifier, and the bill amount, associating the bill with the user based on the user identifier, and associating the bill with the vendor based on the vendor identifier. The method further includes determining whether the bill is payable, which includes comparing the bill to stored bill data associated with the user and the vendor. When the bill is payable, the method further includes obtaining funds from an account of the user, dispersing funds to the vendor to pay the bill and storing an indication of the paying of the bill.

A trade allocation system includes a computer system having a network interface over which messages can be exchanged with an order management system. The computer system is also coupled to a first database that stores data associating portfolios with risk classes and target ratios. A second database stores instructions to configure the system to receive from order management systems messages describing trades of financial instruments. Each message can include a financial instrument identifier, a size of the trade, and a risk class identifier. The instructions also configure the processor to query the first database to determining a portfolios that are associated with a risk class identified by a risk class identifier in a message as well as to determine a target ratio for each of the portfolios. The processor then allocates the trade of the financial instrument among each of the portfolios based on the target ratios. Allocating a trade of a financial instruments among a group of portfolios include receiving a message descriptive of a trade of a financial instrument. The message can include a financial instrument identifier and a size of the trade. A collection of portfolios are then identified based on a match between a risk class of the portfolio and the risk class of the traded financial instrument. The trade is then allocated among each of the portfolios based on a target ratio associated with each portfolio.

A system, method and computer program for enabling transactions on a remote basis is provided. The method of the present invention comprises the steps of: (1) providing a first computer at a location of a customer, and providing a second computer at a location of a financial institution, the first computer and the second computer being linked so as to provide a two-way audiovisual communication system; (2) providing an authentication request at the second computer and communicating the request to the first computer; (3) the customer reviewing the request and providing a signature or other writing as an input to an input device connected to the first computer; (5) transmitting the signature from the first computer to the second computer; (6) receiving the signature and providing the signature to a plotting device connected to the second computer; and (7) applying the signature to a transactional document, wherein the audiovisual information received by the second computer and the signature received by the second computer in combination provide a means of transaction authentication and non-repudiation.

The present invention discloses a system and method for processing business transactions between trading partners using a central interactive platform. The processing may include comparing purchase order data and invoice data to identify matching information and non-matching information. If the information matches, the invoices are processed for payment. If the information does not match, the discrepancies are identified to the buying company or the selling company for resolution.

A communications device has a near field RF communicator (15) having a coupler (17) to couple with a coupler of a near field RF communicator or NFC communicator in near field range to enable communication of data between the communicators by modulation of a magnetic field, and a modulator (43) to modulate an RF signal in accordance with data to be communicated by the near field RF communicator. The device also has at least one secure element (31) separate from the near field RF communicator (15) to provide secure data storage for transaction data representing or relating to a transaction. A controller controls operation of the near field RF communicator, reads transaction data from the at least one secure element and causes the modulator to modulate an RF signal in accordance with transaction data read from the at least one secure element so as to communicate the read transaction data to a near field RF communicator or NFC communicator in near field range as proof of the transaction to enable an action related to the transaction to be carried out.