Entries |
Document | Title | Date |
20080201154 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CONTINUOUS PROCESS IMPROVEMENT - A system and method for continuously handling ideas and incorporating them into a business process to improve the business and the business processes are disclosed. The system and method includes pipelining of ideas, organizing the management line personnel for driving the ideas into the business process and organizing, coaching and training the personnel that are implementing the invention into as a sustainable, continuous process | 08-21-2008 |
20080201155 | Valet package handling - A method of reducing the burden, of carrying packages during a shopping trip to a mall type shopping center with retail stores, includes interconnecting valet kiosks with a computer network. Shoppers can conveniently drop packages at the nearest kiosk and be free to continue shopping. Shoppers receive a wallet sized card with claim information encoded magnetically or otherwise. The card is swiped at each kiosk where another package is dropped off. All information is routed to a central computer server. Shoppers need only let an attendant at a kiosk know that they are leaving for the day to have their packages moved to their valet-parked vehicle. If the vehicle is self-parked, the packages are moved to a drive-up locker which is opened by swiping the card. | 08-21-2008 |
20080201156 | User-generated community publication in a geo-spatial environment - A method, apparatus, and system of a user-generated community publication in a geo-spatial environment are disclosed. In one embodiment, the method includes generating a geo-spatial environment in which residents are represented as users, and in which residents have associated meta-data indicating a physical location and/or an electronic location of the users, processing a user selection of a submit a story idea indicator and/or a become a journalist indicator, processing a submission form when the submit the story idea indicator is selected, and adding a submitted story idea that is geo-tagged to a location identifier of the user to an ideas database, and which remains in the ideas database for a threshold amount of time, transforming a status of a different user to being a community journalist when the different user elects the become the journalist indicator and altering a status of the submitted story idea as being checked out when the community journalist selects the submitted story idea as being one which the community journalist chooses to author. | 08-21-2008 |
20080201157 | METHODS, SYSTEMS, AND COMPUTER SOFTWARE UTILIZING XBRL TO ELECTRONICALLY LINK THE ACCOUNTING RECORDS OF MULTI-PERIOD CONTRACTS AND MULTI-PERIOD LOANS AND GRANTS FOR MANAGEMENT - A method, system and program product for managing a multi-period contract, comprising: receiving or extracting or generating new contract data on one or more of contracts, changes to the contracts, cost data, changes to the cost data; creating or updating with the new contract data an XBRL multi-period contract record comprising XBRL data fields containing contract data made for different periods in a contract and associated metadata representing attributes at the data field level based on a contract taxonomy, some of the metadata relating to a pertinent time or date for the data, wherein the creating or updating comprises converting the new contract data into values in one or more of the XBRL data fields and associating metadata thereto based on context data for the new contract data and forming links between and/or among at least two items selected from one or more of the categories of the data fields, metadata and components associated with the data fields in the XBRL multi-period contract record; receiving a selection of one of the data fields; obtaining a plurality of data items from current and earlier contract periods associated with the data field; performing an algorithm on the plurality of data items from the current and earlier contract periods to obtain algorithm calculation results; and communicating the algorithm calculation results. In a further embodiment, a disbursement document may be approved or audited based on a disbursement taxonomy and non-conformance determined. | 08-21-2008 |
20080201158 | System and method for visitation management in a controlled-access environment - A method of managing visitation includes accessing a visitation control system including a visitation session scheduling interface, communications devices, a switching interface, and at least one authentication interface, defining rules governing visitation, requesting a visitation session using the scheduling interface, assessing whether the visitation session complies with the rules governing visitation, scheduling the visitation session if the visitation session complies with the rules, using the at least one authentication interface to authenticate a first party and a second party, establishing communication between the first party and the second party after authenticating both parties, and storing a record of the visitation session in a database. The record preferably includes at least information regarding identities of the first party and the second party. The visitation session may also be monitored (e.g., in real time, near real time, or by recording). | 08-21-2008 |
20080201159 | System for Automating and Managing an Enterprise IP Environment - A system and method for tracking an innovation. The system and method determine one or more actions requested by a user with respect to stored information associated with the innovation, determine an identification of the user, and log the one or more actions and the identification of the user. | 08-21-2008 |
20080201160 | Method for Managing Car Lease Using Car-Use Electronic Device and Mobile Device - A method for managing car lease using a car-use electronic device and a mobile device, comprising steps of: picking up a car data from a data base for matching so as to provide a first data comprising a car password and a second data comprising a user password when an information center receives a renting request, wherein the car password and the user password are matched; transmitting the first data to the mobile device of a user and the second data to a controller on a car; and authorizing the user to star the car if the controller verifies that the car password and the user password are matched after the user transmits the car password from the mobile device to the controller. | 08-21-2008 |
20080201161 | System and method for assessing condition and assigning value to watercraft - A computer-implemented system and method for evaluating watercraft, particularly from a remote location. The system includes an evaluation server that receives requests to evaluate a boat from clients. Upon receipt of an evaluation request, the evaluation server submits a request to the client to provide detailed information regarding the boat to be evaluated via a particular website. Once the client has submitted the requested information, the evaluation server notifies a marine surveyor of the report and requests that the surveyor provide comments and cite safety regulations relevant to the boat being inspected. Upon receipt of the surveyor's comments and citations, the evaluation server assembles all gathered information and provides a report to the client or a designated representative. | 08-21-2008 |
20080201162 | E-INTERVIEW SYSTEM AND METHOD - A system and method to create, present, and search “E-Interview” information. E-Interview information may comprise one or more of the following: a resume, a cover letter, a personality profile and interests, a perfect or ideal job description exercise, a character and values profile, a values statement, career goals, pre-answered job questions, other profiles or information selected by the applicant, employment questionnaires related to job function and values philosophy, goal-setting and job search tools, and video presentations. It also may comprise a picture of the applicant, voice-only interviews (in MP3 or other format), and statistics information that indicates how many times the applicant's profile has been viewed by potential employers. The information may be presented in a single website, as opposed to multiple websites or sources. A website containing multiple E-Interviews may be accessible by potential employers. The site may include a variety of tools to assist the employer in creating job profiles, evaluating candidates, building a talent pool, and the like, and tools to assist a job-seeker to create and present the E-Interview information. Some or all of the E-Interview information may be downloaded onto a CD or DVD. | 08-21-2008 |
20080201163 | Vehicle-Value Analyzing and Messaging Systems - A system, process and computer software is disclosed for electronically accessing financial terms related to the acquisition of a vehicle by a purchaser, including contact information, original vehicle information, and the settlement amount. This system may electronically accesses used vehicle valuations, including an estimate for a vehicle similar to the vehicle included with the financial terms. The system may automatically correlate the financial terms to the used vehicle valuations. The system may determine the value-difference between the financial terms of the original vehicle and a new vehicle. The system may transmit a message to the purchaser to communicate that the purchaser can replace the original vehicle with a new vehicle. | 08-21-2008 |
20080201164 | Leadership support system determining a danger of isolation of a group member even under temporarily worsened communication conditions - A leadership support system includes a leader terminal and plural member terminals. The member terminals, according to either the relay of communication information not addressed thereto or the reception of communication information addressed thereto, send back a response to the appropriate communication information. The leader terminal determines, based on the times of relaying the communication information, whether or not the member terminal that transmitted the communication information is in danger of isolation. When the leader terminal determines the member terminal in danger of isolation, it outputs a warning signal indicative of a ranger of isolation to that member terminal. | 08-21-2008 |
20080208602 | Method and apparatus for an on-line building registry and organizer - The invention comprises a method of automated registering of a professional contractor comprising the steps of logging on to a website, wherein a program on a website displays a series links including choosing to register a building process project from the series of links; registering the project within a provider server data base, wherein the data base contains all information for every project registered; determining whether to register a professional for the project, wherein if a user decides not to register the professional, the user still can register the project; registering the professional, wherein all information regarding the professional goes into the data base; determining not to register the professional and continuing with the program; receiving analysis results from the analysis engine, wherein the analysis results are based at least in part from data received from on one or a plurality of users registering professionals on the website; and providing data to the provider server based on the analysis results. | 08-28-2008 |
20080208603 | REMOTELY MANAGING ENTERPRISE RESOURCES - The present disclosure is directed to a system and method for remotely managing enterprise resources. In some implementations, a method includes remotely receiving information associated with heterogeneous assets in an enterprise network. Transactions for remotely managing the heterogeneous assets are generated in response to at least the information. The management transactions are stored remote from the enterprise network until a request for the management transactions is received from the enterprise network. The management transactions are transmitted to the enterprise network using a single interface. | 08-28-2008 |
20080208604 | INFORMATION PROCESSING SYSTEM, INFORMATION PROCESSING METHOD AND COMPUTER READABLE MEDIUM - An information processing system includes a receiving unit, a risk control matrix storage unit and a dummy control setting unit. The receiving unit receives assumed risks and controls corresponding to the assumed risks. The risk control matrix storage unit stores a risk control matrix in which a correspondence relation between the risks and the controls is described. If evaluation of design effectiveness is performed to check a document regarding an operation to be controlled in an internal control of operations and if the dummy control setting unit determines that there is a risk having no control corresponding thereto in the risk control matrix stored in the risk control matrix storage unit, the dummy control setting unit sets a dummy control for the risk having no corresponding control in the risk control matrix and stores the risk control matrix. | 08-28-2008 |
20080208605 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR RESPONDING TO THE OCCURRENCE OF AN EVENT - The system and method provide a business continuity application to a portion of a displaced workforce of an organization when an event occurs. The business continuity application, executing on a server within a data center, is used to define a response scenario to the occurrence of an event. The business continuity application allows for notifications to be sent to the workforce using a notification service that interfaces with the server, and further provides remote-access to computing resources via a remote access server that interfaces with the server. A communication gateway installed between the server and a private branch exchange further provides a portion of the business continuity application. Displays of portions of the business continuity application after the occurrence of an event are sent to end-users that can access the computing device. The computing device is further in communication with a portable memory device. | 08-28-2008 |
20080208606 | Dynamic Price Tracking for Products and Services in Electronic Commerce - A computing system for tracking price changes in assets like products and services includes a data storage device for storing executable code, and a processing system associated with the data storage device. The computing system receives an identity of an asset with a price that is subject to change over time. A rule is identified for determining whether a specified action is authorized in the event the price changes. The computing system tracks the price over time, identifies any changes in the price, and issues a notification regarding a change in the price when the rule authorizes the action. | 08-28-2008 |
20080208607 | Method and Apparatus For Providing Customized Contents Based on Terminal Information - Provided is a method and apparatus for providing customized contents based on terminal information. The method includes obtaining information on a terminal that operates contents; if a user selects contents, determining whether the selected contents are available or if it is necessary to request a contents provider to provide the contents, if necessary, requesting the contents provider to provide the contents via a predetermined communication network and receiving the contents from the contents provider; determining whether a file format of the available contents or the received contents is converted in order to perform the contents in the terminal, and if necessary, converting the file format of the contents, and preparing for the contents; and transmitting the prepared contents to the terminal and providing the transmitted contents to the user. The user can easily obtain contents even when the user does not recognize necessary system information of a user's device, reduce time taken to convert the contents and prepare for a preliminary process, and propose a reasonable method of using intangible property rights, which leads a contents manufacturer and user into a lawful environment to work within legal boundaries. Furthermore, an existing mobile communication network is not required to download the contents, which helps to avoid overcharges. It is not necessary to prepare for contents every time the user moves. | 08-28-2008 |
20080208608 | System and Method for Exchanging Cases Entrusted to Expert by Clients - Disclosed therein are a system and method for exchanging cases entrusted to experts by clients, which can maximize expertise by exchanging cases entrusted by clients with experts in an expert group in a one-to-one manner. The system for exchanging cases entrusted to experts by clients in which experts in expert groups can exchange cases entrusted by clients with each other through a wired or wireless network, includes: an expert terminal for enabling an expert to register his or her specialized field and entrusted case information and request case exchange or to apply transfer of a case registered by other expert; and a case exchanging server for mediating case exchange through the steps of receiving and admitting a subscription of experts engaged in various fields, storing the expert's specialized field and career information of case handling received as member information in a member information DB, providing the information to other experts, receiving case exchange registration including case information, and providing the case exchange registration to other experts. The present invention provides an exchange service that an individual expert A in an expert group which has priority to expertise transfers a case entrusted by a client to other expert B who has better expertise and receives another case from the expert B in return for the case transfer, thereby enhancing expertise of the expert group and providing the client with more specialized service. | 08-28-2008 |
20080208609 | SMART INSPECTIONS - Systems and methods for customized vehicle inspections are provided. An inspection module is configured to receive data regarding vehicle repairs and repair recommendations from a variety of data sources. From the received data, the inspection module analyzes the repair recommendation and/or repair data indicated in the data received from the data sources in light of factors such as the vehicle repair history and/or driver's driving habits to generate customized inspection checklists for use by repair facilities. These inspection checklists may be further customized, depending on the recipient, for example, consumers, service managers, and technicians, etc), as needed. In this manner, the inspection reports provide improved information which results in better inspections, maintenance decisions, and reporting to consumers. | 08-28-2008 |
20080208610 | Methods and Systems for Script Operations Management - Systems and methods for detecting, reporting and repairing of damaged scripts used to obtain financial account information from financial institutions are described, along with systems and methods for improved communications to users of financial software of the status of repair efforts. The systems and methods provide for improved speed in repairing script errors. In some embodiments, the script errors may be detected and repaired before a user even notices and/or reports the script error. In addition, the systems and methods provide for automatic detection and prioritization of script errors in conjunction with enhanced response times to script errors reported by users of financial software. Benefits are provided to the user experience, as well as to the efficiency of and resources required of service providers to repair broken scripts. | 08-28-2008 |
20080208611 | Addressing method for freight, cargo and mail - A delivery system for delivery of an item to an actual physical location by means of a virtual address selected by a recipient, is provided. The virtual address is associated with the actual physical address by means of a database. | 08-28-2008 |
20080208612 | Method to develop new high net worth prospects and clients, and to maintain and manage clients and their business derived from the global equestrian community in a cost efficient and competitively enhanced manner for the financial institution - A method to identify and to access in a meaningful manner qualified prospects—clients derived from the Global Equestrian Community for global financial institutions offering private banking-wealth management services and other financial advisory services in a manner that reduces or minimizes the cost and inefficiency of new prospect—client development in an effective manner by creating a participating peer status and/or insider status for the global financial institution via a participating intermediary in the Global Equestrian Community which is premised on polo team sponsorship and/or the sponsorship of high level equestrian participants in select global events/venues and to reduce the cost and efficiency of new prospect—client development and management of their business in a tripartite effective manner oriented to the Global Equestrian Community. | 08-28-2008 |
20080208613 | METHOD FOR DIGITALLY MARKING MEDIA CONTENT - A method of allowing a consumer to digitally mark portions of media content and later retrieve the marked portions uniquely keyed to that consumer, comprising the steps of: retrieving a sample of the media content; entering a unique identifier; keying the retrieved sample to the unique identifier; and at a later time, retrieving the sample by entering the unique identifier. | 08-28-2008 |
20080208614 | MANAGEMENT AND PUBLICATION OF IDEAS FOR INVENTIONS ACCUMULATED IN A COMPUTER DATABASE - A method of managing ideas includes the following steps: (a) maintaining a computer database for accumulating ideas for prospectively patentable inventions; (b) systematically establishing contractual obligations by contributors of said ideas to said database to transfer property rights to inventions respectively derived at least in part from said contributed ideas to a proprietor of said database or to a party in concert with said proprietor; and (c) prior to filing any patent applications for inventions respectively derived at least in part from said accumulated ideas, systematically publishing said accumulated ideas. | 08-28-2008 |
20080208615 | Methods and Apparatus for Performing Task Management Based on User Context - Task management techniques based on user context are provided. More particularly, techniques are presented for calculating task attribute values based on user context data. Once task attributes of a user have been determined, the tasks can be prioritized and a suggestion can be made to the user to perform the tasks in the given order. In a first aspect of the invention, a computer-based technique for scheduling at least one task associated with at least one user includes obtaining context associated with the at least one user, and automatically determining a schedule for the at least one user to perform the at least one task based on at least a portion of the obtained context and based on one or more task attributes associated with the at least one task. | 08-28-2008 |
20080208616 | Method and system for supplier prioritization - A method and system for selecting potential bidders or suppliers for a current electronic auction by using quantitative models to create a prioritized list of potential suppliers. A prioritization software analyzes a supplier's bidding participation history and bidding competitiveness history from the bidding data collected for all prior auctions in which the supplier participated or was requested by the auction coordinator to participate. Using the prior bid data, the software generates a participation score and a competitiveness score for the supplier. The participation and competitiveness scores may be combined to generate a combined score. All potential suppliers may be prioritized based on any of these scores individually or a combination of two or more of these scores. The prioritization list generated using quantitative values instead of subjective values minimizes the amount of unnecessary calls to potential suppliers and maximizes the likelihood that a called supplier will place a competitive bid in the current auction, thereby increasing the bidding yield per supplier selected. | 08-28-2008 |
20080208617 | Wireless telephone data backup system - A system for backing up data on a wireless telephone having a data store containing a user's personal information. A method and application are provided. | 08-28-2008 |
20080215345 | Materials management system and method - A materials management system and method configured to handle materials events is provided. The materials management system can be configured to receive event information, comprising information pertaining to a hazardous materials event, to store data pertaining to a plurality of hazardous materials, to retrieve stored data based on the event information and to generate a materials event response based on the retrieved information. According to one embodiment, the materials management system can include an automated telephonic interface for accepting caller input and facilitating system responses. | 09-04-2008 |
20080215346 | Systems and methods for identity verification - The present invention may include systems and a methods for verifying the identity of an individual by invoking the services of at least one databroker. The present invention may establish a predetermined identity verification level and, based on the capabilities of associated databrokers, may establish a number of different solutions for verifying an individual's identity to the predetermined level. When a request for identity verification is received, the present invention may examine the possible solutions for the requested verification level and, by invoking the services of one or more databrokers, may attempt to verify the individual's identity. | 09-04-2008 |
20080215347 | COMPUTER SYSTEM CONNECTED TO ELECTRONIC-COMMERCE SERVER AND METHOD AND PROGRAM FOR SUPPORTING INPUT OF NUMERICAL VALUE REQUIRED FOR PERFORMANCE OF ELECTRONIC-COMMERCE TRANSACTION - A computer system which is connected to an electronic-commerce server includes a display unit, a monitoring unit, a table, a display control unit, and a transmitting unit. The display unit displays a combination of a numeric input field and an icon display area associated with the numeric input field. The monitoring unit monitors an input to the numeric input field. The table defines a correspondence between an entry in the numeric input field and an icon associated with the numeric input field. The display control unit causes, based on the table definition, an icon to be displayed before a transmission action is received, where the icon corresponds to the magnitude of the numeric value entered in the numeric input field. The transmitting unit transmits the numeric value entered in the numeric input field to the electronic-commerce server in response to receipt of the transmission action. | 09-04-2008 |
20080215348 | SYSTEM AND METHODS FOR ADVERTISEMENT AND EVENT PROMOTION - The present invention is directed to a system and methods for targeted advertisement and event promotion. The system comprises a web-based, application which enables event promoters to create, execute and manage event promotional campaigns using advertisements, targeted promotional messages, target user search tools, session tracking tools, campaign analytical tools, event pricing tools, reporting tools, embedded calendar applications and other tools and services provided by the system. The system combines these tools to enable promoters to communicate with and market, events to highly targeted audiences utilizing a wide array of communication tools. Furthermore, each promotional or advertisement campaign enriches and grows promoter's target user list thus continually enlarging the overall group of trusted and targeted system users. | 09-04-2008 |
20080215349 | System and method for generating an alternative product recommendation - A method and system for automatically generating a self-updating naturally-reading narrative product summary including assertions about a selected product. In one embodiment, the system and method includes evaluating an existing narrative product summary, comparing an existing attribute name, attribute value, attribute unit, and assertion model, respectively, to a current attribute name, attribute value, attribute unit, and assertion model to determine if one of the comparisons shows a change. The system and method further determines a new attribute associated with the selected product, selects an alternative product, retrieves a new assertion model with assertions that describe the selected product and identify an alternative product in a natural manner. The system and method then generates a naturally-reading narrative product summary by combining the new attribute with the new retrieved assertion model, and by combining the selected alternative product with another retrieved assertion model to recommend the selected alternative product in the narrative. | 09-04-2008 |
20080215350 | DOCUMENT PROCESSING APPARATUS, DOCUMENT PROCESSING METHOD, COMPUTER READABLE MEDIUM AND COMPUTER DATA SIGNAL - A document processing apparatus includes an activity input unit and a document creation unit. The activity input unit allows a user to input activities each including a name of the activity and a task description. The document creation unit creates, based on the activities input through the activity input unit, a document for an inner control including at least one of a business process narrative describing a flow of each business process, a business flow diagram visually describing the flow of each business process, a risk control matrix indicating assumed risks and control activities corresponding to the respective risk and a separation-of-duties table showing a correspondence relation between a person in charge and each business process. | 09-04-2008 |
20080215351 | SERVICE INFORMATION PROVIDING APPARATUS AND SERVICE INFORMATION PROVIDING METHOD - A service information providing apparatus is provided. A shop information extracting section extracts shop information belonging to a preference genre determined by a preference genre determining section from a shop information database. A shop ranking calculating section calculates a usage frequency ranking of a shop included in the shop information. A shop list transmitting section generates a shop list based on a usage frequency ranking of shops and transmits to a portable phone. A service information extracting section extracts, from a service information database, service information belonging to the preference genre from among the service information of a shop corresponding to shop selection information received from the portable phone. A service ranking calculating section calculates a usage frequency ranking of services included in the service information. A service list transmitting section generates a list based on the usage frequency ranking of the services and transmits to the portable phone. | 09-04-2008 |
20080215352 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR RECRUITING STUDENTS - The present disclosure provides methods and apparatuses for recruiting students. Using the methods and apparatus disclosed herein, educators can more efficiently recruit prospective students. Educational institutions can increase the efficiency of recruitment efforts by automatically generating outbound calls to prospective students. Outbound calls to prospective students are automatically generated when a prospective student is directed to call a recruitment center and the prospective student fails to call within a set time period. Outbound calls to prospective students are also automatically generated when a student is performing an online process to set an appointment and requests an immediate call. In addition, educational institutions can simplify the appointment scheduling process by incorporating an administrator's schedule into a student database. The student database may contain a list associated with a prospective student's preferred interview times, as well as a list of the administrator's available times. The present disclosure provides a method for presenting times to the student that are only present on both lists. | 09-04-2008 |
20080215353 | Method of Frozen Donor Egg Banking - A method is provided for a frozen egg bank comprising a) retrieving egg cells from an egg donor; b) cryopreserving said eggs in a cryopreservation solution; c) quarantining said eggs; and d) testing the egg donor for an infectious agent following a quarantine period of time. Optionally the method may also include testing the egg donor for genetic disorders, stimulating follicular development of the egg donor, and releasing the eggs for sale following step (d). | 09-04-2008 |
20080215354 | Method and System for Exchanging Business Documents - A method of exchanging a business document between a customer computer and a supplier computer connected to a network, is provided, in which a business document is printed for the supplier; order data from the purchase order is extracted through a printer driver; the order data is transmitted to the supplier computer; the business document is presented on the supplier computer in a form pre-selected by said supplier; the business document is amended by making a change; the amended business document is printed; the amended order data is extracted by the printer driver from said amended business document; the change is determined by comparing the order data from the business document to the amended order data from the amended business document; the amended business document is transmitted to the customer computer, and presented such that said data prior to the change appears as crossed out. | 09-04-2008 |
20080215355 | Method and System for Predicting Causes of Network Service Outages Using Time Domain Correlation - Methods and systems are described for predicting the likely causes of service outages using only time information, and for predicting and the likely costs of service outages. The likely causes are found by defining a narrow likely cause window around an outage based on service quality and/or service usage data, and correlating service events to the likely cause window in the time domain to find a probability distribution for the events. The likely costs are found by measuring usage loss and duration for a given point during an outage and using cost component functions of the time and usage to extrapolate over the outage. These cause and cost predictions supply service administrators with tools for making more informed decisions about allocation of resources in preventing and correcting service outages. | 09-04-2008 |
20080215356 | System and method to administer a patient specific anonymous medical questionnaire over the public Internet using manual decryption of user information - The invention is a system and method for a physician to administer an interactive, branched logic computerized medical questionnaire over a public internet to patients, such that said patients or said physician does not have to be identified on the questionnaire by name, and, therefore, can remain anonymous. The questionnaire is administered on a public Internet site using a personal identification number for the physician which, when interpreted by a third-party database, routes the output to the physician based on information provided by the physician. The output contains patient-related information which only the physician knows. The physician relates the patient information contained in the output, via manual means, to information already known about the patient based on the physician-patient relationship, the patient is identified and the output can be placed within the patients record. | 09-04-2008 |
20080215357 | Detection of unknown scenarios - The present invention provides methods, systems and apparatus for detecting unknown scenarios in a data processing system. An example method includes the steps of: providing known scenario data describing one or more known scenarios in a database; creating element data depending on the known scenario data to form a set of elements, wherein each element is related to at least an actor and the behaviour of the actor; computing subsets of elements by combining at least some of the elements of the set in dependence on their corresponding behaviour; creating new scenario data related to new scenarios depending on the subsets of elements; and comparing the known scenario data with the new scenario data in order to identify the unknown scenarios. | 09-04-2008 |
20080215358 | METHOD, SYSTEM, AND STORAGE MEDIUM FOR IMPLEMENTING BUSINESS PROCESS MODULES - Exemplary embodiments include a method for implementing business process modules for performing business process modeling. The method includes identifying tasks required in order to achieve a capability and designing a process module for enabling the capability. The designing includes interconnecting logic flow among the tasks resulting in an optimized, repeatable pattern of logically transformed inputs to outputs required for achieving the capability. The method also includes selecting and associating attributes to the tasks. The attributes are selected from categories including: information technology component services, data, operational business rules, roles, and measurements. The method further includes defining and associating metadata with the process module. The metadata describes functional capabilities provided by the process module and business and technical contexts into which the process module is used. | 09-04-2008 |
20080221909 | ANIMATED CONNECTION PAGE - A method and device for facilitating interaction with one or more advertisement functionalities is provided. An advertisement middleware component provides advertisement functionalities for interfacing with one or more systems and components of an underlying device. The advertisement middleware component includes a connection page that provides a consistent and trusted user interface for mobile advertisement. | 09-11-2008 |
20080221910 | Scientific Formula and System using a slider bar which derives standardized data and faster search processes in a Personnel Recruiting System that generates more accurate results - The present invention relates to a data processing system, engrained with value-added methodologies to create a highly structured and automated recruiting system. This system may reduce the time required to select a meaningful shortlist, as well as improving the compatibility of qualifications of candidates towards the requirements of a position. In doing so, the savings may result in reduction of both tangible and intangible costs currently incurred by an employer-company today. | 09-11-2008 |
20080221911 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DETERMINING A SUBSET OF TRANSACTIONS OF A COMPUTING SYSTEM FOR USE IN DETERMINING RESOURCE COSTS - A method comprises receiving a representative workload of a computing system, where the representative workload comprises a plurality of composite transactions. In certain embodiments, the representative workload is a historical workload of a computing system. In general, a composite transaction refers to a transaction that comprises a plurality of embedded transactions. The method further comprises determining a subset of the plurality of composite transactions for which a corresponding resource cost is to be determined; and determining, based at least in part on a statistical regression-based analysis, a resource cost for the composite transaction(s) in the determined subset, where the resource cost reflects an amount of utilization of at least one resource of the computing system in serving the composite transaction(s). | 09-11-2008 |
20080221912 | Submarine Patents - A method of seeking patent protection for an invention, comprising:
| 09-11-2008 |
20080221913 | Methods and systems for linking an electronic address to a physical address of a customer using a delivery point identification key - An electronic account links an electronic address to a physical address of a customer. Services provided to the customer using the electronic account can be delivered to the physical address or the electronic address of the customer. If the customer requests to receive only physical mail, the link between the addresses can be used to deliver any electronic mail to the physical address of the customer. | 09-11-2008 |
20080221914 | Computer-based method and system for aiding transactions - A method for providing a warranty relating to a transaction between two parties, each party having a data communications device, in a system which includes an infrastructure composed of a plurality of locations each associated with a respective institution which provides services to clients, each location having a computer system, a database coupled to the computer system and storing information about each client of the institution and a data communications device coupled to the computer system for communication with the data communications device of any one party, each party being a client of at least one of the institutions, the method containing the steps of: | 09-11-2008 |
20080221915 | Softwate method and system to enable compliance with audit requirements for electronic procurement pricing - The present invention, named PriceAudit, is an electronic procurement tool that enables the buyer, or purchasing organization, to precisely audit, and therefore validate, on a near real-time basis, their purchasing patterns and prices across all of their (or any other) internet-based suppliers. It allows the comparison of punchout (live supplier internet catalog) price information with prior or negotiated prices, offering the ability to audit and analyze price changes. This enables the user to compare and track price changes from punchout suppliers, compile information for Sarbanes-Oxley reporting requirements, and ensure compliance with supplier contracts, via comparison of prices paid with prices negotiated with a supplier. | 09-11-2008 |
20080221916 | SYSTEMS AND DEVICES FOR ASSESSING FINES FOR TRAFFIC DISTURBANCES - Traffic disturbances are detected and data is collected by various sensors where the data reflects the entity that is responsible for the disturbance and the number of vehicles that are impacted by the disturbance. The data is analyzed to determine whether a traffic violation has occurred and to then assess a fine based at least on the number of vehicles that have been impacted as a result of the traffic violation. The fine may then be collected by notifying the entity that is responsible, such as by sending a message to an electronic device of the entity. The notification may provide for an automated payment of the fine or an option to appeal the fine. Additionally, those affected by the traffic disturbance may be identified and granted a portion of the fine that has been imposed and collected. | 09-11-2008 |
20080221917 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR SPECIFYING, DEPLOYING AND DYNAMICALLY UPDATING WORK FLOWS - A method and system for specifying, deploying and updating work flows. A request is received from a user of a system with components comprising a computing system and human representatives. The components facilitate routing and servicing the request. A work flow comprising manual and automatic steps is specified to perform the routing and servicing of the request. The automatic steps are automatically performed by the computing system and the manual steps are manually performed by the representatives. Both the automatic steps and the manual steps are uniformly defined in a single general-purpose markup language (e.g., XML). Further, a manual step is dynamically transformed into a new automatic step that is represented as a new XML action element. The new XML action element includes an identifier of a software routine to be executed to perform the new automatic step. | 09-11-2008 |
20080228503 | AUTOMATED COMPATIBILITY CHECKING FOR HARDWARE/SOFTWARE PURCHASES AT TIME OF PURCHASE - The present invention can include a pre-purchase method for determining computing item compatibility. In the method, configuration information associated with a computing system can be stored. A for-sale item to be used with the computing system can be detected. A compatibility between the for-sale item and the configuration information can be determined. A potential purchaser can be notified of results of the determining step before completing a purchase of the for-sale item. The method can be automatically performed by an online storefront system (e.g., a e-retailing Web site) or by in-store computing equipment, such as a cashier's register and/or an in-store kiosk. | 09-18-2008 |
20080228504 | Technique to Deflect Incident Ticket Submission in Real-Time - A method, system and computer-usable medium are disclosed for reducing the amount of human interaction involved in the resolution of incident tickets. A user interacts with a self-service portal to generate an incident ticket to resolve an issue. The generated incident ticket is routed by the self-service portal to an incident ticket management system for processing. The incident ticket management system accepts the incident ticket and in turn routes it to an incident ticket deflection system (ITDS). The ITDS analyzes the resolution state of the issue and generates relevant search queries that are submitted to an issue resolution knowledgebase. The results of the search queries are then returned to the ITDS, which compares them to captured interactions of the user with the self-service portal. Irrelevant query results or those that match the captured user interactions are disregarded. The remaining query results are used by the ITDS to generate remedial actions for the user to perform. If the remedial actions do not resolve the user's issue, then the incident ticket is escalated to a helpdesk operator. When received by the helpdesk operator, the incident ticket is populated with the captured user interactions with the self-service portal, the recommended remedial actions for the user to perform, and the current resolution status of the user's issue. The helpdesk operator then uses the information contained in the escalated incident ticket to facilitate the resolution of the user's issue. | 09-18-2008 |
20080228505 | Client Deployment Optimization Model - A deployment optimization model that identifiers and categorizes issues (such as key cost and quality drivers) in information handling system deployment and provisioning. The deployment optimization model is used within a deployment and evaluation tool which provides based on this model, a set of processes and tools for evaluating information handling system deployment issues of customers. Based on information derived from the deployment and evaluation tool, it is possible to determine a customer's current cost to deploy information handling systems as well as a future cost if various recommendations are adopted. | 09-18-2008 |
20080228506 | Optimized Deployment Solution - An optimized deployment solution which uses a front-end to automatically drive deployment of an information handling system. The optimized deployment solution queries multiple data locations and creates a manifest that is used to automate the deployment. The optimized deployment solution decreases an amount of interaction that is needed from a technician thus decreasing the potential for technician failures. | 09-18-2008 |
20080228507 | RETAIL PUBLISHING SYSTEM, METHOD, PROGRAM, AND APPARATUS - A retail publishing system, method, program, and apparatus for enabling desktop publishing in a retail setting. The system comprises: a media content provider network that provides media content from a plurality of sources; a media content management module that selectably restricts access to the media content provider network; a media manufacturing apparatus that produces a media token with media disposed thereon; a media publishing module that delivers selected media to the media manufacturing apparatus; a media licensing module manages access to the media content provider network; and a media purchasing module that enables a user to purchase media. The method comprises the steps of: providing a publishing module having access to a media provider network through a media licensing module; providing a media manufacturing apparatus configured to manufacture a media token according to publishing instructions from the publishing module; and restricting media visibility from the media provider network to the publishing module. | 09-18-2008 |
20080228508 | Monitoring connect time and time of operation of a solid state lighting device - Techniques are disclosed to monitor the time of operation of a solid state lighting system, e.g. for warranty purposes. Examples are disclosed that measure time of system connection to power and/or time of light output from the solid state emitter(s) of the system. A service under the warranty is provided if operation time does not exceed the warranty eligibility criteria, e.g. maximum limit(s). The service provided under the warranty may be pro-rated based on the time of operation. | 09-18-2008 |
20080228509 | Systems and/or methods for incentivizing agent-based decision-making - Systems and/or methods that encourage an agent to become a true agent of a principal by rewarding or penalizing an agent for exceeding or falling below a benchmark for a specific transaction set by, or on behalf of, the principal are provided. In certain exemplary embodiments, a benchmark for each purchasable good and/or service in a plurality of purchasable goods and/or services may be calculated. Information about a good and/or service to be purchased may be compared to a relevant benchmark. The agent may be rewarded based on the result of the comparing step. The benchmark may be weighted based on parameters input by the principal, including, for example price, durability, quality, performance, and/or other preferences. A database of benchmarks may be maintained and/or updated periodically automatically, by the principal, and/or by an independent third-party. | 09-18-2008 |
20080228510 | METHOD FOR RESERVING EQUIPMENT AND COMPUTER ACCESSIBLE STORAGE MEDIA TO STORE PROGRAM THEREOF - A method for reserving equipment is provided. In the present invention, an arrival time in each site of a special lot is forecasted according to a history record, and the equipment is reserved according to the arrival time and a status of each of the equipments at the site. As a result, suitable equipments in the production line are reserved for the special lot, thus the time of waiting for idle equipment can be eliminated, and the cycle time of processing special lot can be reduced. | 09-18-2008 |
20080228511 | REVENUE OPTIMIZATION SYSTEM AND METHOD - A revenue optimization system and method are provided herein. | 09-18-2008 |
20080228512 | CROSS-JURISDICTIONAL TOWING ADMINISTRATION AND DATA MANAGEMENT SYSTEM - Systems, computer programs, and methods for managing information corresponding to a plurality of vehicles are disclosed. The systems include a database for storing information corresponding to a plurality of vehicles, wherein at least one of the plurality of vehicles are non-consent tows and a plurality of user interfaces. Each user interface is configured to manage one or more pieces of information regarding one or more of the plurality of vehicles. | 09-18-2008 |
20080228513 | Software license management - A single easy to use system enables both developers and users to manage their applications, licenses and billing transactions. A developer portal allows a developer to manage her applications, features, code protection, packages, billing, licenses and users. A customer portal module enables a user to manage his applications, subscriptions, orders, billing information and licenses. A license activation module provides a mechanism to enforce the license of an application and offers an easy way for a user to perform license activations and license procurements. The licensing system provides a single integrated, end-to-end solution for application licensing that is application framework agnostic. The solution enables a developer to create a single protected application that they can then distribute to their users. Users are then able to use the licensing system to easily activate a license for that application, or quickly acquire a new one in a matter of minutes. | 09-18-2008 |
20080228514 | Identification and Association of Refrigerated Containers With Dispatch Orders - A database dispatches data to a wireless device on the particular source that powers a container during any segment of its journey. | 09-18-2008 |
20080228515 | FISHING CERTIFICATION PROCESSING METHOD, PROCESSING APPARATUS, AND RECORDING MEDIUM RECORDING PROCESSING PROGRAM - A fishing certification processing method certifying a fishing period and a fishing position of aquatic animals and plants. The fishing certification processing method includes acquiring position history information in which positions of a fishing boat under way are recorded and operation history information in which operation states of fishery facilities of the fishing boat are recorded, determining, after referring to a fishing pattern information storage unit for storing fish species fishing pattern information in which operation patterns of the fishery facilities can be set, whether there is a period in which an operation state satisfying an operation pattern in the fish species fishing pattern information is recorded, and extracting, based on a determination result of the fishing pattern-, positions at a time in the period of the operation state matching the fish species fishing pattern information from the position history information as the fishing positions. | 09-18-2008 |
20080228516 | BUNDLING METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR CREDITS OF AN ENVIRONMENTAL COMMODITIES EXCHANGE - Some embodiments of the invention provide a method of automatically bundling environmental conservation items with computed environmental conservation values into “credit blocks” so that the aggregate sum of the environmental conservation values of the items in a particular block is sufficient to issue a tradable environmental commodity, also referred to as a credit. In some such embodiments the various different items represent items with different forms of environmental conservation such as emissions reductions, energy savings, hazardous waste reductions, or generated renewable energy. | 09-18-2008 |
20080228517 | COMPUTER JUKEBOX AND JUKEBOX NETWORK - A method and apparatus is shown for managing a plurality of computer jukeboxes at different locations from a central station. Each jukebox includes processor means for controlling the computer jukebox, storage and retrieval means for data, display means for selection menus, audio production means for playing musical records, and a user interface enabling patrons to communicate with the processor means. The central station can be used to download musical recording data to each computer jukebox, and each computer jukebox can upload usage data to the central station. | 09-18-2008 |
20080228518 | System and method for computing energy market models and tradable indices including energy market visualization and trade order entry to facilitate energy risk management - A system and method are disclosed for providing energy market participants with visual market order information, the ability to execute trades and the ability to hedge against risks associated with the energy industry. The system and method entail automatically retrieving, compiling and displaying energy market information to potential market participants. | 09-18-2008 |
20080235037 | Bonus Point System to Create a Profile of a Person - This invention relates to method and a system for collecting and managing bonus points in order to generate a personal profile based on said bonus points, wherein the bonus points are related to activities performed by a person. Therefore, the personal profile is obtained by accessing a manager server where the bonus points are stored and viewing the number of points in a certain activity. | 09-25-2008 |
20080235038 | METHOD, SYSTEM AND COMPUTER PROGRAM FOR ENABLING LIVE SALES SUPPORT - A method, system and computer program is provided for enabling live sales support for a salesperson where the sales process depends on information or approvals from a remote office. The invention provides for the capture and digitization of written information obtained by a salesperson in consultation with a customer. Data is transferred to one or more remote computers defining back office systems, and processed according to pre-determined rules that support the particular sales process. Feedback is provided to the salesperson, including, for example, enabling conclusion of a sales transaction. The invention enables the mobilization of salespersons at relatively low cost while maintaining integration with office systems located at a remote office location. The invention also enables interaction with other system(s) or personnel assisting/providing approval to the sales transaction. The invention further enables the payment to conclude the sales transaction. | 09-25-2008 |
20080235039 | ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT SYSTEM AND METHOD - A consortium or professional employee organization (PEO) is used to assist in providing business support services to economic development clients. The consortium/PEO reports economic development data concerning the economic development clients to an economic development commission. The economic development commission ties the granting of economic development incentives to the use of the consortium/PEO. | 09-25-2008 |
20080235040 | GPS-BASED ACTIVITY MANAGEMENT - A remote device may received location information identifying a location of the remote device. An event is written to a data store upon receiving the information concerning the location of the remote device, the event including the location of the remote device and an identifier for the remote device or a user thereof. The data store is selectively queried for an association between the event and the customer location. A remote application is queried via a network, upon receiving the association, for information regarding a customer associated with the customer location. | 09-25-2008 |
20080235041 | Enterprise data management - Methods and systems manage data for an enterprise. In one implementation, a computer-implemented method is provided for managing data for an enterprise. According to the method, data may be imported from a plurality of data sources into a staging area of a server. In the staging area, the data may be processed. The processing may comprise determining a category identifier for a subset of the data based on one of the plurality of data sources from which the subset of the data originated and assigning the category identifier to the subset of the data. The method may further comprise transmitting the subset of the data from the staging area to a work area of the server and applying, by the work area, one or more logical rules to the subset of the data based on the category identifier. The one or more logical rules may convert the subset of the data. The method further comprises storing the subset of the data in a database. | 09-25-2008 |
20080235042 | NETWORK REPUTATION AND PAYMENT SERVICE - This document discusses, among other things, example embodiments of a transaction system that may receive, over a network, a first set of transaction data associated with a transaction for an item. In an example embodiment, a reputation application may adjust a rating associated with the transaction when the first set of transaction data indicates a purchase or a return of the item. | 09-25-2008 |
20080235043 | System and Method For Communicating Messages Between Users of a System - A distributed system for communicating messages between registered users of the system, each registered user communicating with the system via a user terminal, the messages relating to an original electronic document that is stored on the system and associated with one of the user terminals, the system comprising a plurality of registries, each registry having a mutual trust relationship with each of the other registries and each registry being associated with one or more user terminals; wherein each registry is connectable to a data communications network, and comprises a processing means arranged to validate the eligibility of each of its registered users' user terminals to send or receive a message relating to the stored electronic document, the processing means further being arranged to notarise a message sent from or received by the user terminal of one of its one or more registered users, the notarisation indicating the validity of the message relating to the stored document. | 09-25-2008 |
20080235044 | Methods for enhancing child safety - This invention includes a method for providing enhanced child safety for a child including subscribing to a child safety service provider, receiving child safety material from the child safety service provider, submitting child identifying material relating to the child to the child safety service provider, associating the child identifying material with a unique identifier, determining that the child is missing, retrieving the child identifying material utilizing the unique identifier, and disseminating the child identifying material to one or more persons conducting a search for the missing child wherein it is preferable for at least one of the persons conducting the search to be a private investigator. | 09-25-2008 |
20080235045 | WORKFLOW MANAGEMENT SYSTEM - A disclosed workflow management system dynamically formulates a workflow model at the time of executing a workflow. The workflow management system includes a unit configured to access the contents of an e-mail transmitted or received by a user of the workflow management system, and a unit configured to operate a task in the workflow management system based on the accessed contents of the e-mail. | 09-25-2008 |
20080235046 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR CONNECTING BUSINESSES THROUGH COMMON INTERESTS - A method of connecting businesses through common interests can include storing business profiles comprising business attributes in an online business registry. Responsive to a query from an inquiring business, the online business registry can be searched to locate at least one business having a business profile including at least one business attribute corresponding to the query. At least one communications link between the inquiring business and the located business can be established according to at least one business attribute of the business profile of the located business. | 09-25-2008 |
20080235047 | Method and system for ordering customized cosmetic contact lenses - A method of configuring and ordering a customized contact lens for a user. The method includes the steps of displaying a template eye image to assist the user in visualizing selected options for a customized contact lens, and displaying a plurality of contact lens selection options to the user. The information includes a plurality of selectable lens colors and lens design patterns. The method also includes the steps of sending an ordering request to order a contact lens incorporating lens colors and lens design patterns selected by the user, receiving the ordering request, and manufacturing a contact lens incorporating the lens colors and lens design patterns selected by the user. | 09-25-2008 |
20080235048 | Roaming agreements in a wideband wireless system - A terminal's home network service provider H-NSP determines that the terminal is connected to an access provider, and sends to the terminal a list of access providers and a list of service providers. The list of access providers indicates the H-NSP's preferences of the listed access providers relative to one another, and the list of service providers indicates the H-NSP's preferences of the listed service providers relative to one another. The terminal receives the list and connects to an access provider and a service provider according to the preferences indicated. Methods, apparatus, and software/hardware/firmware is detailed for implementing these aspects, from the H-NSP, V-NSP and terminal's perspectives. Much additional information is described that may be included in the preference lists according to various embodiments, and the invention is particularly advantageous for use in a WiMAX system. | 09-25-2008 |
20080243522 | APPARATUS, SYSTEM, AND METHOD FOR PARALLELIZING ACCESS TO SHARED ASSESTS - An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for parallelizing access to shared assets. A size module determines if a size of a first spoke of a plurality of spokes is greater than a low threshold. The spokes are arranged in a circular order wherein a global spoke pointer identifies the first spoke as a current spoke. Each spoke is configured as an asset queue. A request module requests an asset from the first spoke if the size of the first spoke is greater than the low threshold. A rotate module rotates the global spoke pointer to a second spoke of the plurality of spokes if the size of the first spoke is not greater than the low threshold, wherein the second spoke becomes the current spoke. | 10-02-2008 |
20080243523 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CUSTOMIZING AND DELIVERING COSMETIC PRODUCTS - Systems and methods for providing a consumer with a customized cosmetic product. The system includes a professional evaluator effective to examine the consumer and determine specifications to be used in preparing a customized cosmetic product for the consumer. Additionally, the system includes a cosmetic product manufacturer effective to produce a cosmetic product based on the specifications determined by the professional evaluator. An interface exists between the professional evaluator and the cosmetic product manufacturer effective to communicate from the evaluator to the cosmetic product manufacturer the specifications. The specifications may include details of patient's condition to be treated, desired properties of the cosmetic product to be produced, and ingredients to be used in formulating the cosmetic product. Finally, the system includes a distribution channel for making a cosmetic product, produced by the cosmetic product manufacturer based on the specifications, available to the consumer. | 10-02-2008 |
20080243524 | System and Method for Automating Internal Controls - A computer-based system and method to enforce, monitor, and assess internal controls over financial reporting is provided. A bottom-up approach is used to model transaction-control workflows using logs of past transaction activity executions. Past workflows are reconstructed from these logs and reconstruction rules. The transaction-control workflows are compared with these reconstructed past workflows to determine whether transactions are compliant with the internal controls. | 10-02-2008 |
20080243525 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MANAGEMENT OF A PORTABLE ELECTRONIC DEVICE - A system and method for management of a portable electronic device is provided. An embodiment includes a system that comprises a portable electronic device that is wirelessly connectable to a carrier administrative server and an enterprise administrative server. The portable electronic device maintains a policy that defines how upgrade requests are to be managed. The policy can define, for example, whether or not the carrier administrative server is permitted to instruct the portable electronic device to install upgrades. | 10-02-2008 |
20080243526 | CUSTODIAN BASED CONTENT IDENTIFICATION - A custodian profile, e.g., a user profile, associated with a first content item, e.g., an associated web page in a social network, can be identified as a first content item. The first content item can be utilized to identify one or more second content items, e.g., advertisements, that are displayed when the first content item is presented, e.g., viewed by another user of the social network. | 10-02-2008 |
20080243527 | Custom Media Production and Distribution System and Methods - A custom media production system and methods have been disclosed. A method comprises generating custom media based on a customer order and other factors, wherein generating includes choosing media, format, or both based on selection information. | 10-02-2008 |
20080243528 | Rapid notarization method and system - A method and system for signing or notarizing a document. The method and system can include a first party having a document that they wish to have signed and notarized. The document may then be scanned and entered into a database. The document may then be viewed by a first agent located at a facility physically proximate the first party who can then send the notification to a second party that is to sign the document and may have it notarized. The second party, upon receiving the notification, may proceed to a second location physically proximate to the second party. Upon arriving at the second location, the second party may verify their identity to a second agent located at the second location and may proceed to electronically sign the document and have it notarized by the second agent. The document may then be printed with the signatures and notary seal at the first location and given back to the first party. | 10-02-2008 |
20080243529 | Enriched object-based navigation - A system may include reception of a selection of a business object indicator from a user, the business object indicator indicating a business object, determination of an operation based on the business object, determination of a number of results associated with the operation, and definition of a context menu for display in association with the business object indicator, the context menu indicating the operation and the number of results. | 10-02-2008 |
20080243530 | Method for auditing product damage claims utilizing shock sensor technology - There is provided a method for auditing product damage claims by a warranty service department on consumer products subject to manufacturer warranty guidelines. The method comprises the steps of receiving a product damage claim on a consumer product from a consumer, detecting/downloading product impact sensor data from a product impact sensor on the consumer product, and determining the coverage available for a product damage claim under manufacturer warranty guidelines based upon a comparison of the product impact sensor data to a warranty level impact. | 10-02-2008 |
20080243531 | System and method for predictive targeting in online advertising using life stage profiling - An improved system and method for predictive targeting in online advertising using life stage profiling is provided. A life stage profiling engine may be provided in an embodiment for generating a life stage profile for a user. A life stage profile may include a collection of events or a distribution of characteristics that may represent a life stage of a taxonomy of life stages that may be generated from online or offline events. The events and attributes may be categorized and assigned a probability that a user may belong to a particular life stage, and the life stage of a user may be determined using the assigned probabilities, for instance, by applying naïve Bayesian techniques. Predictive targeting may be applied, either online or offline, using life stage profiles to target users for receiving advertising, content, ecommerce offers or other electronic communications. | 10-02-2008 |
20080243532 | CONTINGENT PURCHASE RIGHTS ASSOCIATED WITH CONSUMER PRODUCTS - The present invention relates to an integrated rights marketplace providing a contingent purchase right to a consumer good, wherein the contingency is the production of the consumer good, and wherein the occurrence of the contingency secures a right to purchase the consumer good. | 10-02-2008 |
20080243533 | Digital Dance-a-thonTM - The invention provides an improvement on a dance-a-thon fundraiser. The Digital Dance-A-Thon™ utilizes an interactive dance video game such as Dance Dance Revolution® to provide the songs and control the dance-a-thon. The video game brings an interactivity to the dance-a-thon as participants are scored based on their dance ability. The video game displays a choreographed dance routine that the dancers must follow. Participants are able to select their song and level of difficulty. Participants are able to compete against other participants based on scores earned. Two or more participants dance on interactive dance mats with the remaining participants dancing on non-interactive mats or directly on the floor. Participants rotate onto the interactive mats. Sponsors provide money to the dancers based on length of time danced, number of dances completed or for participation in the Digital Dance-a-Thon™. | 10-02-2008 |
20080243534 | IDENTITY VERIFICATION METHOD - This invention is a method to verify information of a person (user or customer) using credit cards in the electronic environment used in electronic commerce applications of a Customer System Operator—Application Service Provider ASP and conveying this information to the seller and thus completing the transaction | 10-02-2008 |
20080243535 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR A CONTEXT-BASED SERVICE LOOK UP - The present invention relates to a context-based service look up, wherein a service instance, having a scope includes at least one service instance data set having a hierarchy of levels. A service consumer data set, having a hierarchy of levels is received from a service consumer, having a situation. Comparisons are made of each service consumer data set with each service instance data set, for the same level. Dependent on results of the comparisons, it is determined whether said situation of said service consumer matches said scope of said service instance. | 10-02-2008 |
20080243536 | PROVIDING WEBSITE HOSTING OVERAGE PROTECTION BY STORAGE ON AN INDEPENDENT DATA SERVER - Systems and methods of the present inventions allow for providing website hosting overage protection. In an exemplary method, a website's content may be stored on a data server communicatively coupled to a network. Traffic seeking the website may be directed to a first server having access to the website's content on the data server via the network. A website usage parameter may then be monitored. If the website usage parameter exceeds a first predetermined value, traffic to the website then may be redirected to the overflow server, which also may have access to the website's content on the data server via the network. | 10-02-2008 |
20080243537 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR THE SCHEDULED PRODUCTION OF PLANT EXTRACTS - A method for the just-in-time delivery of harvested plant material and plant compounds grown in a genetically-isolated growth environment is provided. The desired crop is grown in an underground growth chamber according to a predetermined growing model in which all growing conditions are controlled. Component yield and completion time can be accurately forecast such that the harvest time of the plant material, or the completion of upstream plant extract recovery, can be accurately forecast. The use of an underground growth chamber allows for complete control over environmental factors in growth of the plant material, and also allows for the best possible protection of the growing environment against any contamination of genetic material from outside of the chamber, as well as protection of the outdoor environment against any contamination of genetic material from inside of the chamber. The method will be particularly useful in the production of plant-made pharmaceuticals and nutraceutical. | 10-02-2008 |
20080243538 | METHODS, SYSTEMS AND COMPUTER PROGRAM PRODUCTS FOR MANAGING A COMPUTER MASS STORAGE SYSTEM THAT HOSTS MULTIPLE USERS - A computer mass storage system that hosts multiple users is managed by obtaining agreement with a user to provide a level of erasure of hosted data from the computer's mass storage system. The hosted data is then erased according to the level of erasure that was agreed upon. One of multiple levels of security also may be agreed upon and provided. | 10-02-2008 |
20080249785 | Intellectual Property Creation Assisting Method by Cooperative Intellectual Property Management System, Information Providing System Added with Sub-License Management Function, and Computer Program - To provide an assisting method for creating an intellectual value together with information requesters. Second intellectual property management systems SLs | 10-09-2008 |
20080249786 | IDENTIFYING INADEQUATE SEARCH CONTENT - Systems and methods for identifying inadequate search content are provided. Inadequate search content, for example, can be identified based on statistics associated with the search queries related to the content. | 10-09-2008 |
20080249787 | ORGANIZATIONAL CONSENSUS SYSTEMS AND METHODS - A computer-assisted method of determining whether an agreement threshold as to a composition of a topic list has been reached by a plurality of participants. The method includes at least one of adding, modifying and deleting, by at least one of the participants, an entry on the topic list and calculating an agreement score relating to a percentage of the participants that agree as to the composition of the topic list. The method also includes comparing the agreement score with the agreement threshold, creating a final topic list when the agreement score is greater than or equal to the agreement threshold and repeating the method when the agreement score is less than the agreement threshold. | 10-09-2008 |
20080249788 | METHOD FOR DEVELOPING AN OBJECTIVE OPINION - Methods and apparatus, including computer program products, for deriving an objective opinion profile. A method includes receiving a request from an entity, such as a buyer or a seller, and retrieving data regarding that entity from trusted sources. The data regarding the entity from the trusted sources may include publicly available data, such as credit reports, financial reports, market data aggregators, electronic marketplaces, court filings, police records, and governmental records. The objective opinion profile can be built from the data retrieved from the trusted sources and displayed to the requesting entity. | 10-09-2008 |
20080249789 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING ROYALTY OFFERS TO MINERAL INTEREST OWNERS - A system and method provides potential offers for royalty interest to royalty interest owners. A determination is made from public records of a potential money offer for a particular royalty interest. This information is stored within a database. Royalty interest owners of a particular royalty interest are provided with an access code enabling access to the money offer for a particular royalty interest. A server enables the display of the potential money offer to the royalty interest owner using a graphical user interface presented to the royalty interest owner via an Internet browser. The display of the graphical user interface is enabled responsive to the entry of access code by the royalty interest owner. | 10-09-2008 |
20080249790 | SYSTEM FOR MANAGEMENT OF OIL AND GAS MINERAL INTERESTS - A system for managing mineral interests includes at least one database for storing data records relating to oil and gas mineral interest. A server enables generation of a graphical user interface at a plurality of locations over an open network. The graphical user interface enables creation and editing of data records stored in the at least one database from the plurality of locations and the editing may occur over the open network. The graphical user interface further enables viewing of data records from the plurality of locations over the open network. | 10-09-2008 |
20080249791 | System and Method to Document and Communicate On-Site Activity - A system to assist plant maintenance and inspection using an enterprise system and automatic notifications. A worker can generate a form related to maintenance or inspection of a piece of equipment, upon which automatic notifications can be transmitted to the relevant parties such as a technician. An automatic notification of the incident can also be sent as a pop up notification to particular person's computer. | 10-09-2008 |
20080249792 | System and method for providing professional services - A method and system for providing personal services to a customer on a recurring basis. In one embodiment, upon first providing personals services to achieve a desired result for the customer, a customer record is created containing objective and subjective data associated with the provision of services to the customer. Upon a subsequent visit to a service location, a customer's record can be retrieved and referred to by the service provider in order to ensure consistency in the result of the services provided to the customer from visit to visit. In an exemplary embodiment, the method and system are utilized by a plurality of hair styling businesses, each of which having access to a central database of customer records, thus enabling a customer to patronize any of the plurality of businesses while being assured of a measure of consistency in the result of the services provided. | 10-09-2008 |
20080249793 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR GENERATING A CUSTOMER RISK ASSESSMENT USING DYNAMIC CUSTOMER DATA - A computer implemented method, apparatus, and computer usable program product for generating a customer risk assessment score. In one embodiment, the process parses dynamic data associated with a customer to identify patterns of events. The dynamic data comprises metadata describing an appearance and behavior of the customer. The patterns of events are analyzed to identify risk assessment factors for the customer. A risk assessment analysis is dynamically performed using the risk assessment factors for the customer to generate a risk assessment score for the customer while the customer is shopping in a retail facility. The risk assessment score indicates a potential risk posed by the customer to the retail facility. | 10-09-2008 |
20080249794 | Systems and Methods of Designing, Simulating, Manufacturing and Marketing Tufted Materials - Aspects of the invention relate to systems and methods that allow tufted material designers to design within the bounds of what is possible. The invention provides a design tool that bridges the gap between the aesthetic designs or inspiration in the minds of designers and the capabilities of multiple tufting alternatives (e.g., different machines, different setups, etc.). So, for a given desired aesthetic appearance (e.g., a picture of a coconut), a designer can use the design tool to simulate what is possible through various tufting alternatives. In certain embodiments, for a given aesthetic or inspiration, the designer can test what the aesthetic would look like when implemented under the alternative potential configurations. The tool further allows the designer to limit the group of potential configurations by specifically selecting certain constraints (e.g., selecting a particular machine). | 10-09-2008 |
20080249795 | System and method for evaluating office buildings for leasing - A system and method for calculating the amount of space that a user will be required to lease in various office buildings and providing a comparison so that the user can make educated decisions and pre-qualifications as to whether the building will be a viable leasing option for the user. In so doing, the system and method provide the user with relative values and target rental rates of the office buildings by considering the buildings' efficiency and corresponding amount of space the tenant will be required to lease. The calculated relative values and target rental rates may be used by tenants to evaluate building choices for leasing. The system may be configured on a network computer system or a standalone computer. | 10-09-2008 |
20080249796 | Voice over internet protocol (VoIP) location based commercial prospect conferencing - An automated system for matching a calling potential buyer on a VoIP phone with a prospective commercial business within their current area. The buyer may accept or reject connection with a best available prospective business to be automatically presented with the next prospective business as ranked by the presenting business locating service. The location of the potential buyer is provided or obtained, and the best available business selected from the database based on proximity to the buyers current location. A secondary prioritization may be applied to highest bidding businesses. The business finding module establishes a VoIP conference bridge, and invites the buyer and best available business. A pre-recorded message may be played into the conference bridge or directly to the buyer or business. The businesses may be ranked based on how much they pay or bid to be presented first to potential buyers. | 10-09-2008 |
20080249797 | Framework for modeling real estate assets based on genetics - Real estate assets are part of a category of assets called heterogeneous assets. Each property is different and as a result it is difficult to derive a consistent pricing model for real estate assets. The specification presents an innovative framework for modelling real estate assets. This framework based on genetics enables the identification and standardization of relevant factors to be used in pricing and hedging real estate assets. The model defines a new concept of randomness called multi-factorial causal random walk to be used for modelling real estate prices. This concept represents for real assets what the random walk based on the Brownian motion is for financial assets. | 10-09-2008 |
20080249798 | Method and System of Ranking Web Content - A system and method for searching web content and cross-site popularity ranking based on a direct measure of popularity. Rank may be determined based on the number of unique page views, in addition to a number of parameters including, but not limited to, aggregate of all users over all periods of time, search within a particular category or search space, among users or authors or both in a particular geography, and within a particular time interval. The system and method avoids fraudulent determination of cross-site popularity ranking such as inflated popularity. | 10-09-2008 |
20080249799 | Automated sales support method & device - A system and method for notifying salespersons of customer communications including a target item is provided. Individual customers are mapped to one or more salespersons. Target items of interest to a salesperson are defined and a salesperson is associated with a customer. For each salesperson, on-line communication channels are monitored for the occurrence of a communications involving a customer associated with the salesperson and including a target item defined by the salesperson. When such an occurrence happens, a notification is directed to the salesperson. Salesperson access to the system and customer access to the on-line communication channels requires authorization. | 10-09-2008 |
20080255861 | Online interactive career profiles - Wagehunter AKA Foundation J. Enterprises, brings to the market of internet job search and staffing companies a higher level of control to job applicants. Before applicants were subject to the mercy of interpretation of their talents by recruiters and employers. Now, with the interactive resume, users can take more control over highlighting what they want viewers to notice about their resume and present it via an interactive image of themselves or a wagehunter recruiter that make the delivery more personable. It will also help with recruiter's interpretation job descriptions. | 10-16-2008 |
20080255862 | PREDICTIVE ASSET RANKING SCORE OF PROPERTY - The predictive asset ranking system and process quantifies the condition of major components and sub-components of a property based on a systematic comparison of one major component against another utilizing analytical hierarchy analysis. The predictive asset ranking may be expressed as a value or score that may be used as a benchmark to compare one property to another property. The predictive asset ranking process applies multiple analytical hierarchies to the various attributes of a property. The analytical hierarchy may be based on an attribute weighing process and may include a series of qualitative questions indicative of attributes of the property. The predictive asset ranking system may be dynamic and may be customized for the particular asset being evaluated. When the system is customized, the process may automatically recalculate the weights and redistribute the points used in the predictive asset ranking analysis. | 10-16-2008 |
20080255863 | METHOD AND COMPUTER PROGRAM PRODUCT FOR PROVIDING PAPERLESS CUSTOMS DOCUMENTATION - A method and computer program product for providing paperless customs documentation associated with an international parcel shipment. In various embodiments, the method comprises storing shipping data associated with a parcel shipment, the shipping data designating a destination country and including invoice data, verifying that the destination country accepts electronic customs documentation, and creating an electronic invoice from the shipping data. In various embodiments, the electronic invoice may be easily accessed, such as being transmitted over a network or stored in an RFID transponder associated with the parcel shipment. As a result, the present invention reduces the costs and shipping times associated with preparing, processing, and receiving international shipments by determining whether a country accepts paperless customs documentation and, if so, providing a variety of functions that streamline the international shipping process. | 10-16-2008 |
20080255864 | METHOD AND COMPUTER PROGRAM PRODUCT FOR CREATING ON DEMAND COMMERCIAL SHIPPING INVOICES - A method and computer program product for creating an international commercial shipping invoice on demand. In various embodiments, the method comprises storing an electronic copy of a shipping entity's identification indicator, storing an electronic copy of the shipping entity's shipping signature, receiving invoice data relating to the parcel shipment, and subsequently combining the identification indicator and the shipping signature with the invoice data to generate an on demand signed international commercial shipping invoice. In various embodiments, a signed international commercial shipping invoice may be generated by a parcel shipment carrier subsequent to receiving invoice data. In other embodiments, an international commercial shipping invoice may be generated by a customs broker upon request by an importing agent during customs processing. In any respect, the present invention reduces the time and costs associated with creating signed paper copies of international commercial invoices by separately capturing the individual components of an international commercial shipping invoice, and allowing these components to be subsequently assembled, upon demand, to generate the completed invoice. | 10-16-2008 |
20080255865 | Using Relationships Between Master Data and Transactional Data to Process Business Documents - In a computing system, an indication of a predefined transaction participant role in which a specified participant serves in a specified computer-implemented transaction is received. An association between the indicated predefined transaction participant role and a predefined master code is determined. Previously stored master data that is associated with the specified participant and with the associated predefined master code is retrieved, and the retrieved master data is used during the specified computer-implemented transaction involving the specified participant. | 10-16-2008 |
20080255866 | Systems and methods to integrated business data - According to some embodiments, a selection of source data elements may be received via an enterprise resource planning user interface. The source data elements may be associated with, for example, a first planning integration area. A selection of result data elements may also be received via the enterprise resource planning user interface, and the result data elements may be associated with a second planning integration area. It may then be arranged for information to be automatically transferred from the selected source data elements of the first planning integration area to the result data elements of the second planning integration area. | 10-16-2008 |
20080255867 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CALCULATING AND DISPLAYING ESTIMATED WAIT TIMES FOR TRANSACTION REQUEST BASED ON THE SKILL REQUIRED TO PROCESS THE TRANSACTION REQUEST - A reception management system for handling transactions includes a plurality of ACMs (Automated Contract/Consulting Terminals) for receiving procedure requests for predetermined transactions from customers, a plurality of ROTs (Remote Operation Terminals) to be employed by an operator for handling the procedure requests, a server for storing information for managing the operators for each transaction skill, and information about queues formed for each transaction skill upon a procedure request accepted from an ACM, and a queue monitoring terminal for monitoring the queues by receiving information from the SACD server. | 10-16-2008 |
20080255868 | Subscription-Based Private Civil Security Facilitation Method and Apparatus - A plurality of private civil security resources are provided ( | 10-16-2008 |
20080255869 | Generating safety report for fleet of vehicles - A method of generating a safety report for a fleet of vehicles comprising: (A) collecting a raw acceleration data for an each maneuver for each vehicle by using a firmware in a vehicle-based mobile unit, wherein the vehicle-based mobile unit comprises a computer processor, and a navigation system including a navigation receiver; (B) processing the collected raw acceleration data; and (C) transmitting the collected processed acceleration data to a database. | 10-16-2008 |
20080255870 | Systems and Methods for Grouping Kiosk Users and Non-Users into a Community - Systems and methods for grouping individual kiosk users into one or more communities are described. The described systems and methods may further group people who have not used a kiosk into one or more communities. Additionally, the systems and methods may make information or data about a particular user and/or the user's activities at a kiosk available to members of a community, which may include users and/or non-users. The systems and methods also make the information about one or more communities available to a single user or non-user. The information may include user data, kiosk data, community data, location data, and the like. The data can be collected and reported to the individual and/or the community on a real-time or substantially real-time basis. The data reported can be then used for various purposes, including customizing the advertising for an individual user or community, statistical marketing analyses, viral marketing, or any other purpose. The information can result in increased consumer communication and awareness as well as savings for an individual user or non-user. Other embodiments are described. | 10-16-2008 |
20080255871 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR MONITORING AND RESPONDING TO LAND USE ACTIVITIES - The invention provides a method and apparatus for monitoring the use of land. More specifically, the invention monitors the use of land at a specified site, as well as at adjacent sites. The system continuously receives new land use data, The system identifies land use events at the specified site and filters these monitoring hits against alert criteria. The system then generates alerts to specified parties. Based on these alerts, proactive steps of intervention can be undertaken. The invention answers the question of how to manage risks relating to the use of land resulting from external activities and how to intervene proactively. | 10-16-2008 |
20080255872 | Powertag: Manufacturing And Support System Method And Apparatus For Multi-Computer Solutions - A solutions-based computer system manufacturing process includes assembling computer and storage system components for creation of a given solution-based product as a function of a customer order or plan. The process further includes assigning a solution identifier to the solution-based product. The solution identifier includes a solution type and a unique identifier within the solution type. | 10-16-2008 |
20080262857 | Reducing the Cost of Distributed Electricity Generation Through Opportunity Generation - A new disposition of energy use and electricity cogeneration facilities at a customer's premises that enables even a small customer to choose one or more forms of primary energy from among available energy sources, so as to reduce the overall capital and operating costs of meeting own load requirements. Takes into consideration opportunities to save money by way of reducing own load and/or opportunities to earn money by exporting electricity to the mains grid whenever electricity market prices are high, and/or benefiting from payment for network support and ancillary services where such schemes apply. For operations requiring a high level of reliability, opportunity is provided to achieve a desired level of reliability for operations at the premises without recourse to extra cost of duplicate electricity supply connecting lines or expensive stand-by power generation facilities. | 10-23-2008 |
20080262858 | Methods for Establishing Brand-Centric Websites From Bi-Directionally Linked Content - Computer implemented methods and systems for generating a brand site for an internet website is provided. The method includes defining the internet website to include a plurality of modules, and each of the plurality of modules for the internet website being directed toward a brand. Further included, is identifying one or more instance sites where content components related to the brand are presented and linking the content components, from the identified one or more instance sites, to selected ones of the plurality of modules. The method further includes presenting the plurality of modules on the internet website to promote the brand, and the presenting is configured to integrate the content components from the instance sites into the internet website, such that the presenting further enables user interactivity with the plurality of modules and the user interactivity feeds data regarding one or more of module popularity, usage or revenue generating potential. | 10-23-2008 |
20080262859 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PROVIDING A VIDEO RESUME - Methods and systems of providing a video resume are disclosed. An indication of a video resume template that is preferred by the recruiter is received. The video resume template can be indicative of at least one required characteristic to be present in the video resume. A video resume is received from a jobseeker. The video resume received from the jobseeker is formatted in accordance with the video resume template. The video resume is provided to the recruiter. | 10-23-2008 |
20080262860 | System and Method for Supporting Software - This disclosure provides various embodiments of software for supporting a business application. In one aspect, the software receives error information and dynamic context information from a remote business application, where the dynamic context information may partially identify the particular execution point of the business application and a portion of the business data associated with that execution point, present a search interface to a support user utilizing search criteria that is automatically populated using the received information, and, upon request of the support user, generates an execution environment that simulates the remote business application execution using the received information. In some implementations, the software is farther operable to retrieve static context information related to the remote business application from a static context information repository. In those instances, the execution environment for the support user may be generated using at least a portion of the retrieved static context information. | 10-23-2008 |
20080262861 | USER IDENTIFICATION MANAGEMENT SYSTEM AND METHOD - A method, system and computer program product for providing user identification to multiple destinations in a business transaction are disclosed. A user registers with a processing center and communicates a request for providing identification information to multiple destinations thereto. Identification message attributes required by each of the multiple destinations are determined, and user identification information is retrieved by the processing center. The user identification information is combined with the identification message attributes to generate identification messages to the respective destinations. | 10-23-2008 |
20080262862 | Systems and Methods for Sharing Customer Assets - In one embodiment, a system or method for sharing customer assets includes receiving with a first regional service universal login information provided by a customer, the first regional service comprising one of multiple regional services that each comprises a distinct version of a network-based service, wherein each regional service is specific to a particular geographical region in which it is operated, accessing a central database with the first regional service to verify the universal login information, wherein the central database is accessible to each of the multiple regional services, and accessing the central database with the first regional service to access shared customer assets stored in the central database, wherein the shared customer assets stored in the central database are accessible to each of the multiple regional services. | 10-23-2008 |
20080262863 | Integrated, Rules-Based Security Compliance And Gateway System - Processes which enable regulated enterprises to efficiently manage regulatory compliance of computer networks and their users. One computer-implemented process involves providing a query database having information representing a plurality of queries, each query being associated in the query database with one or more of a plurality of specific industry regulations; receiving a selection of one or more of the plurality of specific industry regulations and displaying one or more of the queries associated with the selected industry regulations to a user of a computer network under the control of a regulated enterprise; receiving and storing one or more answers provided by the user to the one or more queries displayed; providing a report-writing database having information indicative of one or more statements, each of the statements being associated in the report-writing database with at least one answer provided by the user to at least one query displayed to the user; and generating from the report-writing database a compliance report with one or more of the statements associated with the stored answers. | 10-23-2008 |
20080262864 | MOBILE EVENT MANAGEMENT SYSTEM - A mobile event management system comprises a portable case openable to form a command workstation at an event having an event zone. The system includes at least one mobile tracking device housed within the portable case during transport and storage of the case and removable from the case during use of the mobile tracking device at the event. The command workstation includes badging equipment to create credentials badges for event personnel and a computer system. Additionally, the mobile tracking device is operable to wirelessly communicate with the computer system. The system further includes event management software loaded on the command workstation and the mobile tracking device. The event management software is preprogrammed to maintain a database of information input into the command workstation and the mobile tracking device to facilitate tracking of objects and people associated with the event with respect to the event zone. | 10-23-2008 |
20080262865 | ENHANCED TRANSACTION FULFILLMENT - A unified online marketplace storefront may be used to sell items from multiple vendors. Managing a multi-vendor online sales channel may involve receiving, from each of a number of sellers, information describing one or more items for sale. The items for sale may be presented to potential buyers through a unified storefront on an online marketplace. The unified storefront can mask identities of the sellers and present a consistent interface to the potential buyers. The managing of the online sales channel also may involve receiving an order from a buyer to purchase an item through the unified storefront, and taking flash title to the sold item prior to fulfilling the buyer's order. | 10-23-2008 |
20080270148 | SALES METHOD AND DEVICE TO ASSIST IN MANAGING BUYING DECISION ISSUES - A method and tool for assisting a sales person in identifying and managing buying decision issues where decision facilitation tools are provided either in a computer-based application, card based question set, or a PDA tree-based application device that will assist a sales person in correcting a sales problem in the field the moment it occurs, and managing the communication, decision making, rapport, and collaboration elements necessary for a buyer to make a buying decision and choose one particular vendor (i.e. the seller). Upon identifying these factors, the computer-based application, card based question set, or PDA tree-based application provides sets of decision and risk factors where the sales person is able to evaluate the risk level of the sales call to determine whether further assistance from the sales person is needed. Upon determining that a sales situation is at high risk of not closing or being time extended, the card, booklet, or PDA provides examples of Facilitative Questions that the sales person can use based on the specific buying decision issues that have not been managed. | 10-30-2008 |
20080270149 | CONTRACT ASSOCIATION METHOD AND SYSTEM - A contract association method and system. The method includes receiving, by a computing system from a requester, a command for creating a service request. The computing system places restrictions on accessing contracts associated with suppliers. The computing system receives a selection of a first requested skill from the requester. The computing system selects a group of contracts applicable to a group of suppliers. The computing system generates a service request document comprising a selection of a first supplier from the group of suppliers, a first contract of the group of contracts, and the first requested skill. | 10-30-2008 |
20080270150 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS OF REPAIR AND OPERATIONS PLANNING - Systems and methods for repair and operation planning are provided in order to maximize efficiency of a company. The speed in repairing equipment and the availability of spare parts are vital in order to maintain a client base. The systems and methods provided analyze the spare parts repair history and other factors in order to integrate many departments of a company. | 10-30-2008 |
20080270151 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR DEVELOPING AN AUDIENCE OF BUYERS AND OBTAINING THEIR BEHAVIORAL PREFERENCES TO PROMOTE COMMERCE ON A COMMUNICATION NETWORK - A method and system are disclosed that provide for determining and developing business opportunities network within a communication network. Profile data of a plurality of participants of an event are stored within the network. The profile data are associated with at least one of the plurality of participants, and serve as a basis to generate recommendations of pertinence to each of the plurality of participants. | 10-30-2008 |
20080270152 | Patent Acquisition and Assertion by a (Non-Inventor) First Party Against a Second Party - Methods for a first party to acquire and assert a patent property against a second party are disclosed. The methods include obtaining an equity interest in the patent property. The methods further include writing a claim within the scope of the patent property. The claim is written to cover a product of the second party where the product includes a secret aspect. The methods further include filing the claim with a patent office. The methods sometimes include offering a license of the patent property to the second party after the patent property issues as a patent with the claim. The methods sometimes include asserting infringement of the claim by the second party after the patent property issues as a patent with the claim. The methods sometimes include negotiating a cross-license with the second party based on the assertion of infringement of the claim, where under the cross-license the first party obtains a license to an intellectual property right from the second party. The methods sometime include attempting to obtain a monetary settlement from the second party based on the assertion of infringement of the claim. | 10-30-2008 |
20080270153 | SERVICE ORIENTED ARCHITECTURE (SOA) LIFECYCLE MODEL MIGRATION - Embodiments of the present invention address deficiencies of the art in respect to SOA systems migration and provide a method, system and computer program product for SOA lifecycle model migration. In one embodiment of the invention, a method for migrating a process model in a monolithic application to an SOA lifecycle model in an SOA based system can be provided. The method can include selecting process steps implemented by code assets in a code base for the monolithic application, mapping the selected process steps to corresponding ones of the code assets, and determining entry and exit points in the code assets for establishing callbacks into services defining the SOA based system. Thereafter, callbacks to the determined entry and exit points can be established and the services can be deployed. | 10-30-2008 |
20080270154 | System for scoring click traffic - A system is disclosed for measuring click traffic quality by scoring clicks made on sponsored advertisements. A click score generated by the disclosed system may enable advertisers and publishers to distinguish between legitimate and fraudulent clicks. The disclosed system may filter click data associated with a click made on a sponsored advertisement. The system may generate a click score that may represent the confidence with which the quality of a click may be determined. The system also may generate a confidence interval associated with the click score. | 10-30-2008 |
20080270155 | Central integrated method and system for digital signage and customer call-forward - A method for a service process by at least one agent for the benefit of a plurality of customers forming a line, the process performed by a central integrated system for digital signage and customer call-forward from a line in a service area. The method includes entering by one of the plurality of customers into the service area and joining by the one of the plurality of customers in the line. The method also includes calling by the at least one agent of the one of the plurality of customers and indicating by the system of the availability of the at least one agent. Next, the one of the plurality of customers approaches the at least one agent, the at least one agent provides service to the one of the plurality of customers and the one of the plurality of customers exits the service area, wherein the digital signage and customer call-forward process are integrated and seamless for the plurality of customers. | 10-30-2008 |
20080270156 | System and method for information technology service strategy - A method and system for providing information technology services. The method and system can include an information technology service provider and a client located remotely from the information technology service provider who may need information technology services. The service provider and the client may establish an amount of service to be provided. The service provider and the client may then also establish a data connection so as to allow for the access and exchange of data to and from each party. Thus the service provider may provide information technology service to the client and the client may access the information technology resources of the service provider from remote locations and the client may not need to maintain and information technology staff. | 10-30-2008 |
20080270157 | Method and apparatus for selling disposable inflatable air mattresses as temporary bedding material - A method for selling an inflated bedding material to a consumer in an automated manner includes receiving payment from the consumer, manufacturing an inflated bedding material and releasing the bedding material to the consumer. The device configured to manufacture the inflated bedding material includes a first roller with a sheet of a first material, a source of compressed air, a heat sealer, and a controller. The sheet is configured to extend from the roller, and be sealed in a first location to form a pouch with an open end, and a closed end. The source of compressed air fills the pouch with air through the open end. The inflated pouch is sealed at the closed end by the heat sealer to form the sealed inflated bedding material. The method may also be carried out without receiving funds, and in response to an emergency, or humanitarian operation. | 10-30-2008 |
20080270158 | Method and apparatus for geo-spatial and social relationship analysis - A method and apparatus for geo-spatial and social relationship analysis are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method of contacting a target member of a community includes obtaining a target location of the member, obtaining a social path to the target member, determining an association between a node location of at least one node of the social path and the target location of the target member, generating a geo-spatial index that determines a geographic proximity each node is from the target member, and communicating with the target member using the at least one node of the social path based on the geographic proximity between each node and the target member. The method may include establishing a social link with the target member using the at least one node. | 10-30-2008 |
20080270159 | Dynamically determining products for a customer based on the customer's requirements - Embodiments of the present invention pertain to dynamically determining products for a customer based on the customer's requirements. According to one embodiment, information describing customers' requirements is received. A data structure is dynamically created based on the information. The data structure includes a plurality of decision trees for types of products. Automatic determination of a particular solution is enabled based on the data structure and requirements for a particular customer. The automatic determination uses a first decision tree for a first type of product and a second decision tree for a second type of product to determine what products to associate with the particular solution. | 10-30-2008 |
20080270160 | Discriminatory Mileage Offering Method by Load Factor and Computer Readable Record Medium on Which a Program Therefor is Recorded - The present invention relates to a discriminatory mileage offering method by load factor and a computer readable record medium on which a program therefor is recorded, wherein more mileage is offered when a load factor of an airplane is low while less mileage is offered when the load factor is high, thereby maximizing the satisfaction of airlines and passengers. To this end, the present invention provides a discriminatory mileage offering method, comprising a first step of building a mileage database (DB) using mileage applied discriminatively according to a load factor; a second step of receiving passenger boarding information from a terminal that makes communication connection over an information communication network, and storing and managing the boarding information in a customer information database (DB); a third step of calculating a load factor based on the received boarding information, and retrieving mileage corresponding to the calculated load factor from the mileage database (DB); and a fourth step of extracting a passenger to which the mileage retrieved through the third step is to be offered, offering the mileage to the extracted passenger, and storing and managing the offered mileage and information on the passenger in the customer information database (DB). | 10-30-2008 |
20080270161 | Authorization rights for substitute media content - A classification method and system for possible content alteration of a media work may include criteria regarding content that is feasible for alteration. Such criteria may be maintained in records that are accessible to an interested party. Some embodiments may include a record of primary authorization rights applicable to a possible content alteration. A further embodiment feature may include a record of secondary authorization rights applicable to substitute altered content incorporated in a derivative version. Some embodiment implementations may include a derivative version of the media work wherein substitute content, such as an alterable component element having one or more designated aspects, is associated with a real-world entity or person. | 10-30-2008 |
20080270162 | SELF-VALIDATED MEASUREMENT SYSTEMS - Sensor data may be received from multiple sensors configured to sense properties of a process control system. The sensor data may include sensed values and uncertainty data corresponding to the sensed values. A new measurement associated with the process control system and corresponding uncertainty data for the new measurement may be determined based on the sensed values and uncertainty data received from the multiple sensors. | 10-30-2008 |
20080270163 | SYSTEM, PROGRAM AND METHOD FOR EXPERIENTIALLY INDUCING USER ACTIVITY - A unified experiential multimedia inducement and entertainment system, computer program and method for providing broadcasts of multimedia content from a plurality of providers to one or more users. The system, computer program and method provide for experience-based entertainment and inducement to individual users over one or more diverse communications medium, inducing the users to visit, frequent, or stay longer at a provider's physical or virtual location. | 10-30-2008 |
20080270164 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MANAGING A PLURALITY OF ADVERTISING NETWORKS - According to one aspect of the present invention a method and apparatus are described for improving advertising conversions on the Internet. An analysis engine is provided that analyzes raw advertising metrics in order to identify improvements. A treemap based visualization engine allows the user to visualize a tree in two dimensional space. In one embodiment, an action engine includes rapid one-box recommendation that allows the user to take an action to improve an advertising campaign. According to another aspect, a system and method for managing a plurality of advertising networks is also provided. A typical embodiment of the management system integrates the analysis engine, visualization engine, and action engine in order to optimize a user/manager's time and effort in organizing, improving, and managing advertising campaigns across a plurality of advertising networks. The presentation and organization (rendered by the visualization engine) of visual displays of advertising information (compiled by analysis engine) effectively reduces the workload in managing the plurality of advertising networks, additionally, recommendations can be based on advertising information (supplied by the action engine). In one example, visual cues in the form of color designations, bring the user's attention to advertising nodes on which actions are estimated to have the significant impact. The definition of what a significant impact is may be established by default or in other embodiments can be configurable by each particular user or manager. Once the user's attention is brought to a particular advertising node, actions and alerts can be recommended to improve an individual advertising campaign, ad group, keyword, ad copy, and/or ad. In one embodiment, by providing an interface to access to other networks with their own advertising campaigns a plurality of networks can be managed. | 10-30-2008 |
20080270165 | Virtual world property disposition after real-world occurrence - A method and system provides transactions and arrangements in virtual world environments. A user can participate in transactions to acquire virtual property and related virtual rights. In some implementations, real-world and virtual parties can be involved in possible transfers of various types of virtual property and virtual property rights. | 10-30-2008 |
20080270166 | TRANSCRIPT, COURSE CATALOG AND FINANCIAL AID APPARATUS, SYSTEMS, AND METHODS - In one aspect the invention relates to a method of automating an application process. The method includes the steps of collecting student identification information using a graphic user interface; collecting student transcript and student application data; generating a first secure communication channel to transmit a portion of the student transcript and student application data to a first server in response to a valid request; formatting the transcript data such that it is suitable for use by a first database; generating a second secure communication channel to transmit the portion of the student transcript and student application data to the first database, the first database managed by a higher educational institution, and notifying the first server when the transcript data has been received by the database. In one embodiment, the valid request is verified using student identification information. | 10-30-2008 |
20080270167 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR RECOMMENDING ADVERTISEMENT KEYWORD ACCORDING TO KEYWORD RECOMMENDATION STANDARD - A method of recommending an advertisement keyword comprises receiving at least one keyword for an online advertisement from an advertiser; allowing the advertiser to select at least one standard for keyword suggestions associated with the advertisement; selecting at least one keyword suggestions based, at least in part, upon the at least one standard for keyword suggestions; and providing at least some of the selected at least one keyword suggestions. | 10-30-2008 |
20080270168 | SYSTEM AND METHODS FOR SPONSORED BIOMEDICAL PRESENTATIONS - The disclosed methods and systems may broker blind exchanges between and/or among the parties in the process of creating sponsored biomedical education programs, such as commercial interest sponsors, presenters, hosts, and/or facilitators. Blinding may introduce a separation between a source of funding and a biomedical presentation being funded, effectively eliminating real and/or apparent financial conflicts of interest. In a blinding transaction, first data describing an aspect of a biomedical presentation may be received. The biomedical presentation may be associated with a presenter. Second data indicative of an intent of a sponsoring entity to sponsor delivery of the biomedical presentation may be received. The first data may be associated with the identity of the sponsor. An indication to deliver the biomedical presentation may be generated. The indication preferably does not disclose the identity of the sponsoring entity to the presenter. | 10-30-2008 |
20080270169 | Peer ranking - Among other things, with respect to entities each of which has attributes from which a value of the entity to an aspect of one or more fields of human activity can be evaluated subjectively, accumulating subjective information interactively and electronically from people who are experts or peers in one or more of the fields of human activity concerning the value of the entities to the aspect of one or more of the fields, and automatically generating data about relative values of at least some of the entities to the aspect of at least one of the fields based on at least some of the accumulated subjective information. | 10-30-2008 |
20080270170 | Networking Methods and Systems - A network system includes integrated radio transceivers and digitizers, integrated baseband processors and device controllers, digital interfaces there between, and architectures and partitions for same. Licensing methodologies are provided for implementing the features described herein, and for other products and services. | 10-30-2008 |
20080270171 | Method and system for managing caselog fraud and chargeback - Managing caselog fraud and chargeback. The systems and methods include the ability to manage a fraud case in a fraud queue; automatically locate the data associated with the fraud case; display workflows on a customized graphical user interface; automatically navigate through workflows that are based on predetermined rules specific to an account-provider, business, or regulation; store activity and data related to each fraud case; and automatically update the fraud queue. The systems and methods include a fraud analyst workstation, a workflow engine, a host computer system, and a workflow database. The fraud analyst workstation communicates with the workflow engine, which stores and the workflows. The workflow engine communicates with the host computer system to access data associated with the fraud case. The workflow engine communicates with a workflow database, which stores activity and data related to each fraud case for purposes of tracking, billing, and research. | 10-30-2008 |
20080270172 | METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR USING RADAR TO MONITOR AUDIENCES IN MEDIA ENVIRONMENTS - Methods and apparatus for using radar to monitor audiences in media environments are described. An example method of identifying media exposure acquires radar information associated with a person in a media environment, determines a location of the person in the media environment based on the radar information, and identifies media exposure based on the location of the person | 10-30-2008 |
20080270173 | CATTLE MANAGEMENT METHOD AND SYSTEM - A highly automated method and system for providing individual animal electronic identification, measurement and value based management of cattle in a large cattle feedlot. Through the use of (1) a computer system integrated with (2) automatic individual animal identification (3) multiple measurement and remeasurement systems with automatic data input and (4) a cattle handling and sorting system, animals are individually (a) identified and (b) measured by weight, external dimensions and characteristics of internal body tissue. With this information together with animal physiological characteristics and historical data, the computer system calculates the optimum (c) slaughter weight, (d) economic end point and (e) marketing date for shipment to a packing plant. After measurement, individual animals are (f) sorted by direction of the computer in response to calculations from the measurements. The computer system also calculates from individual animal data and other data (g) each animal's pro rata share of total feed intake for the animal's feed group. The computer system (h) stores individual animal measurement, performance and location data, which is used by management to (i) select animals for shipment from the feedlot for slaughter at the optimum time. Following an animal's shipment to a slaughter facility, its identification in the computer system is used to (j) correlate the live animal physical characteristics and performance data to the measured and evaluated carcass characteristics data obtained during the slaughter process and (k) build a data base to more accurately identify and measure value-based characteristics in subsequent animals produced and fed for more effective value-based selection and management of those animals. | 10-30-2008 |
20080270174 | Entitlment Security and Control - A system, apparatus, and method are provided for entitlement security and control. According to one embodiment, an entitlement request is matched against entitlement rules, the entitlement permission is granted if the entitlement request satisfies the entitlement rules, and an audit trail of entitlement events is generated. | 10-30-2008 |
20080275714 | COMPUTERIZED REQUIREMENT MANAGEMENT SYSTEM - Systems and methods are disclosed to analyze construction materials, contract and management plans, components or blends by accessing a server located on a wide-area-network; sending information collected from the materials, components or blends to the server; applying one or more test or inspection methodologies to the collected information; performing one or more audits; generating one or more quality management reports from the test methodologies and the audits; and sending the one or more quality management reports to a project manager. | 11-06-2008 |
20080275715 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ONLINE INTERACTIVE SCHEDULING AND APPRAISAL - A system and method is disclosed for allowing artists to schedule and publicize their appearances and tours at smaller venues while providing consumers with access to these performances and the ability to rate them. An artist, venue or consumer may sign in to a website where they may select their desired purpose. Artists may schedule their tours and see reviews from fans. Consumers may make arrangements to see live performances based on the artists schedule and online ratings. Additionally, record labels may view the same ratings from concerts and music sales and use this information to appraise prospective bands for signing with their label. The use of this business method will allow smaller underground artists to attain a global presence and provide for a widespread conglomeration of the music scene and music industry. | 11-06-2008 |
20080275716 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PROVIDING AN ONLINE RENTAL HISTORY SYSTEM - This invention relates generally to an information portal, and more specifically, to systems and methods for providing an online rental history system. In one embodiment, the invention includes a method for providing an online rental history system, the method including the steps of creating a former landlord profile on a software application, the former landlord profile including identifying information for a former landlord; searching for a tenant profile on the software application using identifying information for a tenant; if the tenant profile exists, displaying the tenant profile on the software application; if the tenant profile does not exists, creating the tenant profile on the software application using the identifying information for the tenant; establishing a tenant rental record for the tenant profile on the software application, the tenant rental record including the identifying information for the former landlord and rental history information for a property; and publishing the tenant rental record on the software application, whereby the software application is accessible over a wide-area-network. | 11-06-2008 |
20080275717 | DELIVERING VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION INFORMATION AND SERVICES - The invention provides techniques for educating potential employees about job seeking and job maintenance resources. In one aspect, potential employees identified as receivers of government-provided benefits are automatically contacted about receiving such resources. The may be presented with menu of available employment and incentive services, and requests for such information may be fulfilled based on menu selections made by the potential employee. | 11-06-2008 |
20080275718 | KNOCK DOWN CHAIR - An auditorium chair comprised essentially of four parts that interconnect creating a frame with a three point stability system. The auditorium chair structure has the following components: fastening with screws, snap tight buttons, or other fasteners, dimensioning in accordance with use in current auditorium chair sizes, and fabrication design enabling efficient shipment while maintaining stability and stacking capability. | 11-06-2008 |
20080275719 | Trust-based Rating System - A trust-based communication and information filtering system having rating features is user customizable. It is a system in which the raters remain anonymous. The anonymous ratings mimic real life person-to-person recommendation methods wherein recommendations are personal and cannot be controlled by persons or items being rated. The system uses contextually meaningful rating which are filtered explicitly by the end-user or implicitly based upon the environment of the end-user to facilitate discovery and minimize the potential for fraud and deception. Trust networks are constructed between the participants and the rating or information filtered or weighted according to the user's relative trust of the raters in the system. Ratings made by the inventive system can be for goods, services, people, businesses or virtually any item that can be rated and/or recommended. | 11-06-2008 |
20080275720 | DATA COLLECTION AND DISSEMINATION SYSTEM WITH TERMINAL HAVING LITERATURE DISTRIBUTION - Certain embodiments of the present invention provide a system for collecting and disseminating customer data and for distributing real estate marketing literature. The system includes a customer terminal, which is in communication with a data center, which, in turn, is in communication with a business terminal. The customer terminal includes a device for inputting customer data and a device for distributing relevant marketing literature. The customer data is sent to the data center, where it is stored for subsequent retrieval by a sales person using the business terminal. | 11-06-2008 |
20080281605 | Consultants - instrumentation loop logic diagrams - The intent of the Process Loop Sheet is to convey information regarding how various pieces of equipment interact with a variable process design. For Instance, all Water and Wastewater Plants are designed to accommodate influent flow rates that are not consistent from one hour to the next. These flow rates are generally expressed as low flow rate, average daily flow rate, and maximum flow rate. In both types of plants there are generally pump stations, screenings and grit removal, clarifiers, filters, odor control, various types of chemical injections, and storage tanks. In addition there are typically local control panels communicating information about a particular process to a Central Control Room. Generally the major local control panels are provided with programmable logic controllers that interface through software with operator work stations that are located in the Central Control Room. | 11-13-2008 |
20080281606 | IDENTIFYING AUTOMATED CLICK FRAUD PROGRAMS - Methods and systems for identifying automated click fraud programs are provided. Upon receiving a request for presentation of a web page, the probability that the user is robotic is determined. The determined probability, along with historic behavior, if available, related to the requesting user, is used to determine a score that may be utilized to select advertisements for presentation to the user. If the score indicates a high likelihood that the user is robotic, an advertisement designed to solicit user behavior known to be associated with robots may be selected to confirm the suspicion. Alternatively, if the likelihood that the user is robotic is high enough, advertisement presentation may be largely suppressed. If, on the other hand, the score indicates a high likelihood that the user is human, a standard advertisement and/or an advertisement designed to solicit user feedback related to advertisements and/or publishers may be selected. | 11-13-2008 |
20080281607 | System, Method and Apparatus for Managing a Technology Infrastructure - The present invention provides a system, method and apparatus for managing a technology infrastructure having two or more technology elements by collecting data from the technology elements using one or more interface rules and a metadata dictionary stored in a data repository, analyzing the collected data and initiating one or more automated processes based on the analyzed data, one or more thresholds and one or more management rules stored in the data repository. Note that this invention can be implemented using a computer program embodied on a computer readable medium wherein the steps are preformed by one or more code segments. | 11-13-2008 |
20080281608 | Providing Collaboration services to Business Applications to correlate user collaboration with the business application - An aspect of the present invention provides collaboration services to business applications and such a service is provided by a mediator and a collaboration application. The collaboration service offers a user of the business application the ability to collaborate with other users of the business application or one or more responders such that any collaboration that occurs between the user and the responder is correlated to the business application and to the corresponding actions performed by the user with respect to the business application, thus maintaining the context of the collaboration. Another aspect of the present invention provides a collaboration service wherein the user of the business application is provided with at least part of a history of collaboration that occurred between the user and one or more responders. | 11-13-2008 |
20080281609 | Web-based system and method for collection and management of real estate open house data - A system and method for management of real estate open house data includes a database and a web portal configured to provide access to information from the database. At least one user identification device, in the form of a portable data storage device configured for storage of user identification data, is distributable to at least one user. A data collector, located at a real estate open house, is configured to collect the user identification data from the user identification device. A processing device communicably coupled with the data collector, is configured to transmit the user identification data from the data collector to the database. | 11-13-2008 |
20080281610 | Method and system for integrating idea and on-demand services - A method and system is provided having a webpage for posting ideas integrated with on-demand customer relationship management. The website associated with the page may be stored in a tenant area of a multitenant database to facilitate maintaining multiple websites for different tenants. A webpage may be sent to a client that includes a plurality of sections, each including at least one idea related to an improvement of a product. Votes may be received for at least one of the plurality of sections. A determination may be made of a Total Qualitative Management Criterion (TQMC) for each section of the website, by applying an increasing function of time to newer votes to enable relative weightings of older votes to diminish over time without requiring computing a decaying time function to determine weightings for each vote. A product modification may be determined based on the TQMC for each section. | 11-13-2008 |
20080281611 | USING A SOFTWARE APPLICATION TO CONFIGURE A FOAM SPRING MATTRESS - An aspect of the present invention relates to a method and system of receiving information of a user's support facility comfort requirements; using a software application to determine a proper support facility firmness configuration to match the user's requirement; selecting foam springs with the proper user required firmness as determined by the software application; and configuring the selected foam springs within the support facility to match the user's firmness requirements. | 11-13-2008 |
20080281612 | USING A SOFTWARE APPLICATION TO CONFIGURE A FOAM SPRING MATTRESS - An aspect of the present invention relates to a method and system of receiving information of a user's support facility comfort requirements; using a software application to determine a proper support facility firmness configuration to match the user's requirement; selecting foam springs with the proper user required firmness as determined by the software application; and configuring the selected foam springs within the support facility to match the user's firmness requirements. | 11-13-2008 |
20080281613 | USING A SOFTWARE APPLICATION TO CONFIGURE A FOAM SPRING MATTRESS - An aspect of the present invention relates to a method and system of receiving information of a user's support facility comfort requirements; using a software application to determine a proper support facility firmness configuration to match the user's requirement; selecting foam springs with the proper user required firmness as determined by the software application; and configuring the selected foam springs within the support facility to match the user's firmness requirements. | 11-13-2008 |
20080281614 | INTERNET CONTEXTUAL COMMUNICATION SYSTEM - This invention relates to a system and method for presenting to a user relevant areas of distributed computer network sites. In particular, the invention disclosed infers and cross reference user mind sets with data store of potential user goals. The user mind sets indicate a navigational goal of a user over the distributed computer network. In addition, the invention cross-references indicated user goals with data stores of service and service providers providing those services. The invention presents targeted service and service providers to the user across the distributed computer network thereby enabling the user to navigate towards the user goal. | 11-13-2008 |
20080281615 | JURISDICTIONAL COMPLEXITY MANAGER FOR ENVIRONMENTALLY RELEVANT ITEMS - The present invention provides methods and systems for facilitating exchange of rights associated with environmentally relevant items. The methods and systems may include identifying an environmentally relevant item recognized by a first jurisdiction, identifying an environmentally relevant item recognized by a second jurisdiction and providing a software-based module by which a user can manage actions related to the environmentally relevant items recognized by the first jurisdiction and the second jurisdiction. | 11-13-2008 |
20080281616 | Innovation system - A method and system for encouraging innovation is described that includes conducting innovation contests and ranking innovators. The process allows high-level innovators to be identified, thereby improving the efficiency of finding innovative solutions and/or innovative employees. | 11-13-2008 |
20080281617 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR WEB SITE MANAGEMENT - Disclosed is a remotely hosted browser based software as a service (SaaS) application for allowing users to create and customize a web space over a network from a computer connected with the network. The application includes an account creation module for creating a space with a service provider of the application. There is also a space management module for customizing the space and a monetization sub-module for defining one or more fee based subscription plans for subscribers. An access control sub-module defines a level of access (reader, commenter, author) that a subscriber will have with respect to the space that is linked with the one or more fee based subscription plans. | 11-13-2008 |
20080281618 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR THE TRACKING OF ARTICLES - Detecting whether an article has been loaded or unloaded for example from a ship by tracking the movements of a transducer such as an RFID tag attached to the article in space, and comparing the tracked movements with a trajectory envelope characterizing the movements associated with a load or unload action, and in the case where the movements of the article are found to comply with the trajectory envelope, registering the article as present in the predetermined volume. | 11-13-2008 |
20080281619 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR FACILITATING USER REGISTRATION IN AN ON-LINE AUCTION ENVIRONMENT - A method and apparatus for facilitating user registration in a network-based transaction facility are described. According to one embodiment, a user associated with a registration process in the network-based transaction facility is identified, and a verification rating is assigned to the user based on the accuracy of the registration information submitted by the user during the registration process. If the verification rating exceeds a predetermined threshold, the user is registered with the network-based transaction facility. | 11-13-2008 |
20080281620 | Multi-Modal Automation for Human Interactive Skill Assessment - A method for screening applicants includes remotely accessing a screening entity's web page by a potential candidate. The candidate is asked, via the pre-screening web page, to input responses to a set of queries tailored to the screening entity and the candidate's responses to the queries are stored. A phone call is automatically initiated to the candidate in response to at least one of the candidate's responses. An interactive information gathering process is started with the candidate using both the telephone and the computer. In the process, audio prompts to the candidate are generated via the telephone and the candidate's verbal responses are recorded via the telephone. A profile of the candidate is stored in a database including the verbal responses from the candidate for later access and analysis by the screening entity. The recorded responses are analyzed by the screening entity to make quality judgments about the candidate. | 11-13-2008 |
20080281621 | PEER-TO-PEER COMMUNICATION CHARGING METHOD, COMMUNICATION SYSTEM AND CHARGING DEVICE - A peer-to-peer communication charging method for charging instant messaging services in a peer-to-peer network, includes the steps of: a) sending, by a service application server to a charging system, an application layer charging message including application layer charging information, a subsystem layer charging correlation identifier and/or a bearer layer charging correlation identifier; b) sending, by a subsystem layer to the charging system, a subsystem layer charging message including subsystem layer charging information, the subsystem layer charging correlation identifier and the bearer layer charging correlation identifier; c) sending, by a bearer layer to the charging system, a bearer layer charging message including bearer layer charging information, the subsystem layer charging correlation identifier and the bearer layer charging correlation identifier; and e) associating, by the charging system, the received charging messages with one another and performing charging. | 11-13-2008 |
20080281622 | Social Networking System - The invention provides a method of managing an online social network for peer interactions, the method comprising: a) creating at least one sphere for users to associate over a common interest; b) identifying patterns associated with activity indicative of the common interest; c) monitoring the online actions of at least one user of the social network; d) evaluating the online actions taken by the at least one user; and e) comparing the online actions to the identified patterns associated with interest in the sphere category. | 11-13-2008 |
20080281623 | METHOD FOR CREATING AN EDUCATIONAL SUPPLEMENTAL PLAN - A computer-implemented method provides illustrations of college expense funding for a plurality of college students who attend an institution of higher education and who pay at least some college expenses using proceeds from parental college-related loans. The payments on the loans are reimbursed by the institution only if the student does not drop out of the institution. A computer-implemented apparatus administers a financial aid program for the students based on this methodology. | 11-13-2008 |
20080281624 | Data transmission system and data transmitting method - A data transmission system is provided that enables a user to move away before the completion of data transmission regardless of whether a refund is made in association with occurrence of a communication error when a data transmitting apparatus performs data transmission and collects a consideration. The data transmitting apparatus includes a consideration receiving portion that receives a consideration of FAX data transmission, a report destination input portion that inputs a report destination of a user, and a FAX transmission error detecting portion that detects a communication error at the time of the FAX data transmission. In case the FAX transmission error detecting portion detects a communication error, the system including the data transmitting apparatus transmits refund information for refunding the consideration of the FAX data transmission with the communication error to the report destination input through the report destination input portion. | 11-13-2008 |
20080281625 | SUBSTRATE PROCESSING APPARATUS, LICENSE MANAGEMENT PROGRAM, LICENSE INFORMATION SERVING APPARATUS, LICENSE INFORMATION PROVIDING PROGRAM, LICENSE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM, AND RECORDING MEDIUM - A disclosed substrate processing apparatus that processes a wafer under control of software includes a license information reception portion that periodically receives license information related to the software from a license information serving apparatus connected to the substrate processing apparatus via a network; a license information analysis portion that analyzes the license information to extract address information of the license information serving apparatus on the network from the license information; and a license determination portion that compares the extracted address information with the address information that is of the license information serving apparatus and stored in advance in the substrate processing apparatus. When the two pieces of the address information are mismatched, at least part of functions of the software is restricted. | 11-13-2008 |
20080281626 | Enabling Interoperability Between Participants in a Network - Interoperability is enabled between participants in a network by determining values associated with a value metric defined for at least a portion of the network. Information flow is directed between two or more of the participants based at least in part on semantic models corresponding to the participants and on the values associated with the value metric. The semantic models may define interactions between the participants and define at least a portion of information produced or consumed by the participants. The determination of the values and the direction of the information flow may be performed multiple times in order to modify the one or more value metrics. The direction of information flow may allow participants to be deleted from the network, may allow participants to be added to the network, or may allow behavior of the participants to be modified. | 11-13-2008 |
20080281627 | System and method for improving the performance of electronic media advertising campaigns through multi-attribute analysis and optimization - Automated system, methods, algorithms, procedures, and computer software programs and computer program products for improving and optimizing the performance of messaging campaigns, particularly for marketing campaigns in which advertisements or other messages are distributed over an interactive measurable medium such as the Internet. Analysis and Optimization method and procedure, an automated system, and system and method that exploit the underlying multi-attribute structure, as well as other features and advantages. Optimization procedures allocate the ad alternatives or other message to the customer population to optimize business objectives such as maximizing the number of positive responses received. Procedure for generating message allocations that improve and attempt to optimize the campaign performance. Methods ensure that campaign constraints are not violated. Methods can be implemented on a computer that is programmed to retrieve message performance information and to generate recommended message allocations for each stage in a multi-stage messaging campaign to achieve messaging goals. | 11-13-2008 |
20080288264 | Methods for generation or increasing revenues from crops - The present invention provides methods of doing business and providing services. For example, methods of increasing the revenue of crops are provided. To this end, the method includes the use of a nucleic acid sequences of plant centromeres. This will permit construction of stably inherited recombinant DNA constructs and mini chromosomes which can serve as vectors for the construction of transgenic plant and animal cells. | 11-20-2008 |
20080288265 | Energy Efficiency Compliance System And Methods - A compliance system configured to assist a user with the selection of building materials that comply with a regulatory requirement includes a processor, a forms generator, and a user interface. The processor is programmed to receive a first user input via the user interface, which first user input identifies a geographic area within a larger compliance region to which the regulatory requirement relates. The geographic area has particular compliance parameters associated therewith. The processor also is programmed to receive a second user input via the user interface, which second user input identifies a first building material, based on the first and second user inputs, identify a second building material usable in combination with the first building material to comply with the regulatory requirement, and, via the forms generator, generate one or more forms that document compliance with the regulatory requirement. | 11-20-2008 |
20080288266 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR SERVICE OFFERING FOR FEEDBACK CONTROLLER DESIGN AND IMPLEMENTATION FOR PERFORMANCE MANAGEMENT IN INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY SYSTEMS - A software development service offering of constructing and embedding feedback control based algorithms into computer systems management software applications is delivered by a provider entity to a client organization. The provider is contracted by the client to prepare a set of control modeling assets based on identified computing system management problems and goals of the diem and to create a set of control solutions. Bi-directional links between the problems, assets and solutions are used by the provider to develop feedback control based algorithms that solve the identified client computing management problems and meet the client's computing system goals. | 11-20-2008 |
20080288267 | Method and apparatus for automatically managing work tickets - Disclosed is an Interactive Voice Response (IVR) system that automatically manages work tickets. The IVR system receives a work ticket (e.g., a dig ticket) from a Call Center. The work ticket corresponds to work to be performed by a contractor. The IVR system transmits a notification of the work ticket to a technician. The IVR system then receives a response to the notification from the technician. The IVR system then transmits the response to the contractor and/or Call Center. | 11-20-2008 |
20080288268 | Novel real estate transactions - Described herein is a method for conducting real estate transactions wherein the sheltering and care of an individual is ensured for the remainder of the individual's life. The method includes the offering of a residence unit for sale by a provider, the purchase of the residence unit for a fixed price by an individual, the individual living in the residence unit and receiving required care from the provider for the remainder of his or her life, and the return of the residence unit to the provider in exchange for a payment made to the resident's estate. Various types of residence units and care may be provided and the financial terms of the method may be structured in various ways. | 11-20-2008 |
20080288269 | Enterprise-wide data standardization structure and method - A method and structure for data standardization as a basis for a service-oriented architecture in an enterprise. A logical business model ( | 11-20-2008 |
20080288270 | System and method for generating an internet-based mall portal - A method for providing a web-based mall portal for an affiliate that provides access to at least one of merchant web sites and service provider web sites through at least one of merchant information pages and service provider information pages, where the merchant information pages and the service provider pages are at least partially co-branded with the affiliate. In an exemplary embodiment, the method includes the steps of: receiving a request from the affiliate for a mall web site that provides access to the merchant web sites and the service provider web sites through the merchant information pages and the service provider information pages; generating the mall web site; providing the affiliate with administrative access to the mall web site; and providing credit to the affiliate for revenue generating activities conducted at the merchant web sites and service provider web sites as a result of access of the merchant web sites and service provider web sites though the merchant information pages and service provider information pages provided at the mall web site. | 11-20-2008 |
20080288271 | Internet-Based Survey System and Method - An Internet-based survey system, method and computer-readable medium that captures feedback from job seekers and employees at various stages of pre- and post-hire, and aggregates their perceptions of various aspects of the company in order to formulate and display resulting data which helps a company create more targeted and cost-effective hiring and retention strategies. The system creates survey questions; stores and presents those questions in a library which can be customized to the requirements of a specific client; provides an automation component which captures requisite identification information about potential survey taker and imports it into the survey system; extends survey invitations to solicit participation from potential survey takers; captures demographic data from each participating survey taker; dynamically presents at least one survey question to survey takers in real-time; receives, calculates, aggregates and benchmarks statistics for demographics, response option values and survey participation; and presents reports adapted to at least one client. | 11-20-2008 |
20080288272 | USING A SOFTWARE APPLICATION TO CONFIGURE A FOAM SPRING MATTRESS - An aspect of the present invention relates to a method and system of receiving information of a user's support facility comfort requirements; using a software application to determine a proper support facility firmness configuration to match the user's requirement; selecting foam springs with the proper user required firmness as determined by the software application; and configuring the selected foam springs within the support facility to match the user's firmness requirements. | 11-20-2008 |
20080288273 | USING A SOFTWARE APPLICATION TO CONFIGURE A FOAM SPRING MATTRESS - An aspect of the present invention relates to a method and system of receiving information of a user's support facility comfort requirements; using a software application to determine a proper support facility firmness configuration to match the user's requirement; selecting foam springs with the proper user required firmness as determined by the software application; and configuring the selected foam springs within the support facility to match the user's firmness requirements. | 11-20-2008 |
20080288274 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CROSS-BORDER INTERLINKING OF NATIONAL POSTS - The present invention interconnects national postal systems to provide for international shipping capabilities through a global post. More particularly, the present invention provides end-to-end visibility and monitoring of shipped parcels and documents through coordinated and/or standardized tracking. Also, the invention provides for allocation between national posts of monies received for a shipment serviced by both initiating and destination posts. Certain embodiments of the invention provide digital archiving of shipped documents. Particular embodiments of the invention allow national posts to act as third-party payors through the global post for purchases from foreign manufacturers. | 11-20-2008 |
20080288275 | TRIP REPORT MANAGEMENT SYSTEM FOR CLINICAL MONITORING - A computer-implemented method is provided for managing trip reports related to clinical monitoring, wherein each trip report includes a trip status. An administration computer maintains a plurality of trip reports associated with a clinical study. Trip reports are entered into the administration computer. A user interface allows authorized users to view the trip reports and change the status of the trip reports in the administration computer. The administration computer produces a summary report showing at least the status of selected trip reports. | 11-20-2008 |
20080288276 | Method, Process and System for Survey Data Acquisition and Analysis - A system for survey data acquisition and analysis, including: at least one central processing system, including a storage device, a processing device and a communication device; and at least one portable computing device, including: a display device configured to visually display content to a user, the content comprising at least one survey question; an input device for receiving survey data input by the user in response to the at least one survey question; a processing device for processing the survey data input by the user; and a communication device in communication with the communication device of the at least one central processing system for transmitting or receiving data. The processing device of the at least one central processing system processes survey data received from the at least one portable computing device. Further methods and processes for survey data acquisition and analysis are also disclosed. | 11-20-2008 |
20080288277 | Methods for encouraging charitable social networking - A method of encouraging charitable donations by individuals who are members of a social network is disclosed. A user creates a member account by supplying user identity data from the user and creates a campaign, wherein the created campaign is associated with one or more charities and a financial goal. The user sends invitation to one or more members or non-members and the one or more members or non-members may accept or decline the user's invitation. The one or more members are given the option to donate any amount of money to a charity to post comments about the user, where the monetary value of the donation is associated with the comments posted such that a higher amount donated represents a higher trustworthiness of the comments. The one or more members or non-members may support the campaign by donating money to the one or more charities to help reach the financial goal. One or more user weight values are calculated based at least on a total volume of members or non-members who support the campaign by donating money to the one or more charities and/or a total monetary value of the money donated by the one or more members or non-members, where the one or more user weight values represent reliability of a user's reputation. | 11-20-2008 |
20080288278 | System and Method for Expressing and Evaluating Signed Reputation Assertions - A method for expressing and evaluating signed reputation assertions is disclosed. In one embodiment, a first entity receives a request to generate a signed assertion relating to a piece of content. The first entity generates a reputation statement about a second entity from reputation-forming information (RFI) about the second entity available to the first entity. The first entity then generates a signed assertion from the reputation statement and the piece of content at least in part by binding the piece of content to the reputation statement and signing a portion encompassing at least one of the bound piece of content and the bound reputation statement. The signed assertion is then transmitted to a receiving entity. | 11-20-2008 |
20080294447 | Issue or transaction tracking by using presence information and instant messaging - A presentity is used to represent and report states of an issue or a transaction. The issue or the transaction is an intangible (an incorporeal, non-physical) entity. The presentity for the issue or the transaction is created, a state of the issue or the transaction received from a handler of the issue or the transaction is registered in the presentity, and the registered state is reported to watchers of the presentity. Preferably, a handler registers with the presentity as a proxy for the issue or the transaction, and messages sent to the presentity are forwarded to the handler who is the registered proxy. If the issue or the transaction comprises a plurality of entities, preferably a separate presentity for each one of the entities, as well as for the issue or the transaction as a whole, is created and used. | 11-27-2008 |
20080294448 | Methods and systems associated with telephone directory advertisements - A telephone directory advertisement is created for an advertiser by an artist during a Web teleconference session based on an interaction via the Web teleconference session between the artist, the advertiser, and a sales representative. | 11-27-2008 |
20080294449 | BUSINESS OBJECT DOCUMENT MAPPER - In accordance with an embodiment, an architecture for directly interfacing Business Object Documents (BODs) may include a BOD mapper which employs the BOD for input and output. A model object definable by class is created corresponding to the data contained in the BOD. System logic for the local domain is provided with communication with the BOD mapper through a BOD mapper application programming interface. The logic operates on the model object and a mapping configuration is provided for relating elements of the BOD to the model object. An addressing element communicates with the BOD mapper to define the mapping configuration for the BODs operated on by the BOD Mapper for input/output and mapping for a map call and parsing for a list call is accomplished for the contents from the BOD to the model object as defined by the BOD mapping configuration. | 11-27-2008 |
20080294450 | MARKETING SUPPORT PROCESSING METHOD, SYSTEM AND PROGRAM - A marketing support executed by a computer upon receipt of a map display request from a shop terminal, specifies a map element corresponding to a shop Based on identification information for the specified map element, a blog management database storing blog user identification information for each blog and identification information of a map element registered in a map in the blog is referred and/or a map element database storing information on a shop corresponding to the map element and identification information of a registerer blog including the map element is referred. For example, registered address information of a blog user of each registerer blog is extracted from a user master database storing the registered address information of the blog user, and shop-aimed map data having arranged therein a mark indicating each of the registerer blogs in accordance with the extracted registered address information is generated. | 11-27-2008 |
20080294451 | INTERNET CONNECTION SERVICE PROVIDING METHOD AND SYSTEM - An internet connection service providing method and internet connection service system for carrying out the method are provided. The method comprises presetting a service class for a user, among a plurality of service classes, where the service class is selected by the user, authenticating the user according to the preset service class when the user logs-in to a network, recognizing the preset service class for the user, and providing a service corresponding to the recognized service class. | 11-27-2008 |
20080294452 | Managing Supply of a Utility to a Customer Premises - The invention provides a method of managing supply of a utility to a customer premises. A utility meter and a disconnect switch are installed at the customer premises. A management system remote from the customer premises is interfaced to the utility meter and disconnect switch over a data network. The method includes transmitting a termination instruction over the data network if the utility meter has not received configuration information from the management system; transmitting an initiation instruction over the data network if the utility meter has received an override switch ON command from the management system; transmitting a termination instruction over the data network on detecting tampering with the meter; and transmitting a termination instruction over the data network causing activation of the disconnect switch to terminate supply of the utility if the utility meter has received an override switch OFF command from the management system. | 11-27-2008 |
20080294453 | Network Based Digital Rights Management System - A network-based DRM system manages digital media assets stored in the network. The system provides consumers with access to the digital media from any device connected to an electronic network such as the internet, while enforcing the intended uses by the copyright owners. | 11-27-2008 |
20080300887 | Usage Model of Online/Offline License for Asset Control - It is disclosed a method that may monitor and control loan instalment or other fee payment for an asset. The method may comprise checking validity status of a first license that comprises allowable usage information of a user device; and disabling use of the user device based on the validity status to control payment for the user device. | 12-04-2008 |
20080300888 | Systems and Methods for Providing Risk Methodologies for Performing Supplier Design for Reliability - Embodiments of the invention can provide systems and methods for providing risk methodologies for performing supplier design for reliability. According to one embodiment of the invention, a method for analyzing reliability associated with a product provided by a supplier can be provided. The method can include providing a supplier a specification for a product, wherein the specification is based at least in part on an amount of risk to be associated with the product. In addition, the method can include requesting the supplier to perform at least one task to analyze reliability associated with the product in accordance with the specification. Furthermore, the method can include obtaining an output associated with the reliability from the supplier. Furthermore, the method can include comparing the output to the specification for the product. In addition, the method can include based at least in part on the comparison, approving or disapproving of the product. | 12-04-2008 |
20080300889 | FORMATION AND REARRANGEMENT OF LENDER DEVICES THAT PERFORM MULTIPLEXING FUNCTIONS - A method comprises establishing an ad-hoc network between a borrower and at least two lenders of bandwidth and establishing one lender of the at least two lenders as a multiplexer to manage data flow over the ad-hoc network between the borrower and lenders of the at least two lenders of bandwidth. The method may include providing a computer infrastructure to perform the steps of the invention. A system is also provided which includes a server having a database containing data associated with one or more lenders and a borrower in an ad-hoc network and at least one hardware and/or software component. The system may further includes computer usable medium having readable program code embodied in the medium to perform processes of the invention. | 12-04-2008 |
20080300890 | PRICE OFFERINGS FOR BANDWIDTH-SHARING AD HOC NETWORKS - Methods and systems to establish and execute price offerings among the lenders and borrowers in a bandwidth-sharing ad hoc network for shared bandwidth usage. The method comprises establishing a price offering among a lender and borrower in a bandwidth-sharing ad hoc network for shared bandwidth usage. The method further includes executing the price offering upon acceptance of a lender to the bandwidth-sharing ad hoc network for shared bandwidth usage. | 12-04-2008 |
20080300891 | RESOURCE MANAGEMENT FRAMEWORK - This invention outlines a method that distributes the decision-making process according to the application owners' needs, through the use of chip management and brokering technologies in an auction-like environment which allows for very fluid business need changes. This disclosure describes a master framework for a family of disclosures which allows consumers to more efficiently obtain, modify, and utilize computing resources from providers. These elemental biddable resources are obtained through several brokering algorithms and associated winning bid strategies which redefine how applications and businesses can receive the most appropriate service for the least cost, at the most appropriate interval. The resource management framework includes business units, buyer's agents, resource unit brokers, resource unit capacity planners, and resource allocation software, and an optional change and configuration manager. | 12-04-2008 |
20080300892 | MAPPING METHOD AND SYSTEM - A mapping method and system. The method includes receiving from a computing system, a selection of a first candidate skill from a list of candidate skills. The computing system receives a selection of a first work location of associated with a first skill. The computing system determines a first geographical location identifier identifying a first area comprising the first work location. The computing system determines a first work region comprising the first area and the first work location. The computing system selects a first group of suppliers associated the first work region. The computing system generates a candidate request document comprising the first candidate skill, the first work region, and the first work location. The computing system transmits to the first group of suppliers the candidate request document. | 12-04-2008 |
20080300893 | ASSISTANCE PROGRAM ENROLLMENT METHOD AND COMPUTER READABLE CODE - A method of making an assistance program offered by a provider available to a client includes receiving, at a computing system, client information pertaining to a social benefit program for which the client qualifies from an organization that administers the social benefit program. The client information is compared with eligibility requirements for the assistance program. When the client information meets the eligibility requirements, the organization is notified of an eligibility of the client to enroll in the assistance program. Computer readable code communicates the notification of client eligibility to an administering organization can enroll the client in the assistance program. | 12-04-2008 |
20080300894 | Television Audience Targeting Online - A method of targeting users receives a data feed that has information relating to a first media and extracts events from the received data feed. The method generates a profile relating to a first item in the first media, and processes behavior of a first group of users of a second media. The method models the behavior of the first group of users, and generates a scoring function by using the modeling. A system for targeting a user includes a data feed, an event extractor, one or more profiles, a behavior processor, and a model. The data feed has information relating to a first media. The event extractor is for receiving the data feed and extracting particular information based on a second media. The profile(s) are based on the extracted information. The behavior processor is for receiving the profile and comparing the profile to a first group of users of the second media. The model space is for receiving an output of the behavior processor and modeling user behavior by using the profile. | 12-04-2008 |
20080300895 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR HANDLING RETURNED PAYMENT CARD ACCOUNT STATEMENTS - A method and system for handling returned account statements in a payment card system. In one embodiment, upon receipt of a returned account statement corresponding to a consumer's account, an indication is made in the consumer's account that an address of the consumer is invalid; and future mailing of account statements to the address are suppressed. Electronic delivery of the account statement may be activated to an email address of the consumer. In this way, no further account statements are mailed to the invalid address. A customer service representative may be alerted that the address of the consumer is invalid, and upon receiving an updated address from the consumer, and indication can be made in the consumer's account that an address of the consumer is valid, whereupon mailing of future account statements to the updated address can be activated and if desired electronic delivery of the account statement to the email address of the consumer can be terminated. | 12-04-2008 |
20080300896 | Congregant recruitment method - A sales method is initiated by providing a product for acquisition by consumers. Next, a surveyor is sent door-to-door in a neighborhood to determine the level of interest of consumers in acquiring the product in the neighborhood. Next, a salesman is sent to consumers, determined by the surveyor to be interested in acquiring the product, to sell the product. Finally, a serviceman services the product acquired by consumers through the efforts of the salesman. | 12-04-2008 |
20080300897 | Business method for domain name creation and marketing - A business method for domain name creation and marketing uses multiple sales of definite rights for domain names and/or e-mail addresses from sellers to purchasers, either of which can be a person or a legal entity, with simultaneous creation of multiple independent compound domain names and e-mail addresses between them, and purchasers become compound domain name and e-mail address owners. Compound domain names and e-mail addresses contain permanent and variable parts. Permanent part is arranged in one, e.g., the right part and contains names, surnames, company names or other internet attributes of sellers. Variable part is arranged in the other, e.g., left part and contains names, surnames, company names or other internet attributes of purchasers. Permanent and variable parts are divided, e.g., by hyphen or dot. Compound domain name and e-mail address owners form networks, providing mass sales and marketing of products, services or advertisement. | 12-04-2008 |
20080300898 | Document processing services - A document processing device is provided. A device service is configured to generate information concerning a document processed by the document processing device. A client interface is included in the device service and is configured to perform at least one of (a) publishing an event to a plurality of clients based on at least one of a status of the document processing device and the information and (b) providing an instruction to the document processing device based on a message from one of the plurality of clients. One or more application services are in selective communication with the device service and at least one of the clients. | 12-04-2008 |
20080300899 | Supply item replacement optimization in imaging devices - In an imaging device, methods for managing replacement of supply items include providing users with one or more adjustable variables so they may balance individual image quality needs versus economic costs of purchasing new supply items. Representatively, users are provided with a first adjustable variable indicative of a countdown value of media remaining to be imaged before the imaging device ceases imaging and a second adjustable variable indicative of an amount of imaging material remaining that corresponds to a low warning threshold. Upon reaching the low warning threshold, users are messaged with the countdown value. Thereafter, the first variable is decremented per each media imaged and the decremented value is displayed to users to indicate a number of pages remaining before device shutdown (or before needing to replace the supply item). | 12-04-2008 |
20080300900 | Systems and methods for distributed sequestration in electronic evidence management - Systems and methods are provided for managing sequestration of electronic evidentiary objects in an organization with distributed systems. The systems and methods include capturing in a central evidence management system objects from sources in the distributed systems. The objects are stored in a repository. Selected objects are selectively sequestered, which includes sequestering the selected objects at the sources. In certain embodiments, the sequestering of the selected objects at the sources is achieved by agents provided at the sources by the central evidence management system. | 12-04-2008 |
20080300901 | System and method for transfer of digital media - Digital content can be sold by an original sales entity (OSE) to an affiliate sales entity (ASE) for playing of the content by the ASE. The ASE is permitted to transfer the content to another ASE, and sales credit for the secondary transfer is split between the transferring ASE and the OSE upon synchronization of a ledger of the recipient ASE with the system database. | 12-04-2008 |
20080300903 | DELIVERY/PICKUP SERVICE ACTIVATOR AND ADVISOR - A computer device for activating and reporting on delivery/pickup service is disclosed. The device has a button connected to a computer. Software on the computer is activated by a user pressing the button to contact a delivery/pickup service via the internet, schedule service according to selections made by the user, and indicate on the computer display screen, and optionally also on the button, that service has been scheduled. This way, the delivery/pickup service is scheduled efficiently, and the user's computer station is informed/reminded that service has been scheduled. | 12-04-2008 |
20080300904 | Information Management System - An information management system is described comprising one or more workstations running applications to allow a user of the workstation to connect to a network, such as the Internet. Each application has an analyzer, which monitors transmission data that the application is about to transmit to the network or about to receive from the network and which determines an appropriate action to take regarding that transmission data. Such actions may be extracting data from the transmission data, such as passwords and usernames, digital certificates or eCommerce transaction details for storage in a database; ensuring that the transmission data is transmitted at an encryption strength appropriate to the contents of the transmission data; determining whether a check needs to be made as to whether a digital certificate received in transmission data is in force, and determining whether a transaction about to be made by a user of one of the workstations needs third party approval before it is made. The analyzer may consult a policy data containing a policy to govern the workstations in order to make its determination. The information management system provides many advantages in the eCommerce environment to on-line trading companies, who may benefit by being able to regulate the transactions made by their staff according to their instructions in a policy data, automatically maintain records of passwords and business conducted on-line, avoid paying for unnecessary checks on the validity of digital certificates and ensure that transmissions of data made by their staff are always protected at an agreed strength of encryption. | 12-04-2008 |
20080300905 | METHOD OF PROVIDING A DIGITAL ATHLETE PROFILE - A method of providing a web-based sports or academic social network web page includes providing a digital athlete or academic profile portion configured to provide various athlete or academic information and providing a gallery portion having at least one of photographs or videos uploadable by a user. The athlete or academic information includes one or more of statistics, school information, contact information, athletic bio, academic information, news and events, athletic awards, and recommendations. | 12-04-2008 |
20080300906 | FACILITY CONTROL SYSTEMS AND FACILITY CONTROL METHOD - A facility control system for controlling devices shared in spaces, a plurality of operation units being equipped in the spaces respectively, each operation unit configured to input a operation request for operating the devices, calculates a priority level of each space during the reservation time of each space based on at least one of the use purpose of each space and the attribute information of each user of each space, detects a type of the operation request input from each operation unit provided in each space, detects, whenever the type of the operation request is detected for each space, a collision between types of the latest operation requests detected for respective spaces based on the types, and operates the devices according to one of the types which is detected for one of the spaces whose priority level is highest when the collision is detected. | 12-04-2008 |
20080300907 | IMPORT AND EXPORT MANAGER FOR ENVIRONMENTALLY RELEVANT ITEM - Methods and systems for facilitating exchange of rights associated with environmentally relevant items are provided. The methods and systems may include identifying an environmentally relevant item recognized by a first jurisdiction, identifying an environmentally relevant item recognized by a second jurisdiction and providing a software-based module by which a user can manage actions related to the import and export of the environmentally relevant items from one jurisdiction to another. | 12-04-2008 |
20080300908 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DOWNLOADING AND ACTIVATING THEMES ON A WIRELESS DEVICE - A wireless device receives a list of available themes and premium content from an activation server. The wireless device may select a theme for download and activation. The activation server verifies that the wireless device has access to the theme or premium content and then authorizes the wireless device to activate the theme or premium content. If the theme or premium content is not resident on the wireless device, the activation server may transmit the theme or premium content to the wireless device. | 12-04-2008 |
20080300909 | Exclusivity in internet marketing campaigns system and method - A marketing campaign collects data for page counts, sessions, orders, and revenue. Four kinds of campaigns are addressed: direct, deferred, site link tracking, and deferred site link tracking. A particular page visit in an end-user session “qualifies” for a campaign if it satisfies the configured conditions for the campaign; that is, if the target universal resource locator (URL) of the page is the landing page of the campaign, the referrer URL is the referrer page of the campaign, or the page tag contains the configured string for the campaign. The data is processed through a set of heuristics identified by marketing experts as the most likely paths to a sale, and exclusivity is assigned to the type of campaign with the highest priority. | 12-04-2008 |
20080300910 | Method for Searching Products Intelligently Based on Analysis of Customer's Purchasing Behavior and System Therefor - A system for searching products intelligently based on analysis of customer's purchasing behavior includes a search engine database, a product database configured to store a predetermined number of keyword information on each product, an input/output unit configured to receive keywords, product selection or order information, and output search results, a search unit configured to generate search results of the search engine database and the product database from the keywords, and a related keyword information update unit configured to update related keyword information of the product database depending on the product selection or the order information. | 12-04-2008 |
20080300911 | GRAVESITE LOCATION INFORMATION SERVICE - The invention provides methods and systems for ordering and effectuating subscriptions to a gravesite location information service in connection with the interment of deceased individuals. In one embodiment, funeral service providers serve as a front end for taking orders for subscriptions to a third-party gravesite location information service. The invention also provides methods and systems for finding a selected gravesite using satellite or terrestrial positioning systems. | 12-04-2008 |
20080300912 | Systems and methods to provide a product to a customer before a final transaction term value is established - A method for selling a product which allows a customer to comparison search for, and obtain as a part of a purchase transaction, the competitive terms for a product following product acquisition. The method includes conveying the product to the customer prior to at least one transaction term of the sale being finalized, determining a final value of the transaction term, and completing the sale using the final value of the transaction term as a term of the sale. | 12-04-2008 |
20080306746 | Executing business processes using persistent variables - Executing a business process includes initiating an instance of a business process comprising activities, where the instance has an instance variable. A first activity of the business process is executed, and a value corresponding to the instance variable is received. The instance variable and the value is recorded in an object, and the object is stored in a data repository. A second activity of the business process is executed, and the object is retrieved from the data repository for use with the second activity. | 12-11-2008 |
20080306747 | Method for Charging for a Service in a Communication Network - The invention permits the operator of a stateless proxy, or application broker to offer a reliable trustworthy charging system which is accurate in definable intervals in a simple manner to registered application service suppliers, or registered clients, in which, during the provision of the service, the client and server are continuously provided with the charges applicable and the charging function, by means of an independent third party, including those from the independent third party. | 12-11-2008 |
20080306748 | REQUEST MODIFICATION METHOD AND SYSTEM - A modification method and system. The method includes presenting by a computing system to a requester, templates associated with a candidate request. The computing system receives from the requester, first data associated with the candidate request. The computing system generates a request document comprising the first data. The computing system transmits the request document to at least one supplier. The computing system receives from the at least one supplier, a list of candidates. The computing system receives from the requester, a request for modifying the request document. The computing system generates in response to the request for modifying the request document, a modified request document comprising a modified version of the request document. The computing system receives from the requester, approval data approving a transmission of the modified request document. | 12-11-2008 |
20080306749 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PRESENTING IMAGE BEARING PRODUCTS FOR SALE - A method of presenting n offer of an image-bearing product to a user provides access to a plurality of user image files. User image files are analyzed to obtain semantic information about the content of the plurality of image files. An offer for the image-bearing product based on the semantic information obtained, wherein the product uses at least one image from the plurality of image files. The offer is transmitted to the user. | 12-11-2008 |
20080306750 | EMPLOYMENT SCREENING SYSTEM AND METHOD - A system and method for screening candidates for compliance with general, employer specific, and/or position specific policies. Such policies may be applicable to job applicants, potential contractors, existing employees, and/or existing contractors (collectively, “candidates”), and may be influenced by law or by best practices. The system compiles data based on the policies from both automatic and other data sources. The system also automatically rates the results of the data compiled. Through the use of the system, employers may easily obtain relevant information about candidates prior to engagement or during engagement of the candidate and without the requirement that the employer manually analyze screening results. | 12-11-2008 |
20080306751 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR MANAGING BUSINESS PROCESSES IN AN ENTERPRISE - A method for managing a business process in an enterprise includes executing a business process model, wherein executing the business process model comprises generating a plurality of business level messages associated with business level tasks, generating one or more system level messages associated with system level tasks to be performed by one or more enterprise subsystems, wherein the one or more system level messages are in a common format that is accessible by the one or more enterprise subsystems, and broadcasting the one or more system level messages over a communication channel communicably coupling the plurality of enterprise subsystems. A system includes a communication channel carrying system level messages in a generic format, a plurality of business subsystems communicably coupled to the communication channel, adapters operable to translate messages from the generic format into associated business subsystem specific formats and vice versa. | 12-11-2008 |
20080306752 | Method and system for automatic testing in a business scenario environment - A software tool for automatically executing relevant testing in an Application Platform. When an object in an Application Platform is changed, testing may be executed for the changed object as well as any related objects. | 12-11-2008 |
20080306753 | System and method for providing quick links - A method and system are provided for providing a user-interface. The method may include receiving a request to render a business portal at a browser. The method may further include responsive to the request, determining a set of work lists to be rendered on the business portal. The method may further include retrieving a set of quick links corresponding to the set of work lists, wherein each quick link is associated with a work list; transmitting the set of quick links to the browser. The method may further include rendering the set of quick links at the browser to the user on a first screen. | 12-11-2008 |
20080306754 | Pet commerce and pet groups in a geo-spatial environment - A method, apparatus, and system of pet commerce and pet groups in a geo-spatial environment are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method includes generating a community network of user profiles, each user profile associated with a specific geographic location, procuring preseeded pet data, providing categories of the preseeded pet data, automatically generating, within the community network, groups of user profiles, each group of user profiles based on at least one category of the preseeded pet data, and generating a display view to include a three-dimensional map view embodied by the community network, a first group of user profiles, each user profile of the first group represented at a location in the three-dimensional map view corresponding to the specific geographic location with which each user profile is associated. | 12-11-2008 |
20080306755 | SYSTEM FOR PROJECT PREPARING A PROCUREMENT AND ACCOUNTS PAYABLE SYSTEM SURFACE - A system for coordinating a project for designing, implementing, and using a general procurement and accounts payable (GP/AP) system for a customer. A playbook database is created and includes templates of information relating to designing, implementing, and using the GP/AP system. The templates are particularized for the customer. A playbook summary view is generated from the playbook database. The playbook summary view displays a folders and views section, a task title display and selection area, a summary task creation button, and a detailed task creation button, which visually appear together in an undivided display area within the playbook summary view. Communication is between team members of a team and the playbook database via a server coupled to the playbook database and an intranet coupled to both the server and the team members. The team members have responsibility for the designing and implementing of the GP/AP system. | 12-11-2008 |
20080306756 | SHOPPER VIEW TRACKING AND ANALYSIS SYSTEM AND METHOD - Devices, systems, and methods for tracking a view of a shopper are disclosed. The system may include camera coupled with a head of a shopper, and configured to capture one or more images in a field of view of the camera as captured image data. The shopper view tracking system may also include an analysis computing device configured to receive the captured image data, and an analysis program configured to determine an estimated shopper field of view having a boundary that is calculated to represent a probability of a person in a data sample having an actual measured focal point that occurs within the boundary, and to display the estimated shopper field of view superimposed on the one or more images in the captured image data. The analysis program further may be configured to generate an output including statistical measures based on the estimated field of view. | 12-11-2008 |
20080306757 | Server, settlement system and recording medium - A server device comprises: a first communication unit for communicating with a sales data processor and a settlement center; a first storage unit; and first control means for receiving sales data via the first communication unit from the sales data processor, for storing the sales data in the first storage unit, for receiving settlement data via the first communication unit from the sales data processor, for sending the received settlement data to the settlement center, for storing the settlement data in the first storage unit, and for processing the sales data and the settlement data stored in the first storage unit in an associated manner. | 12-11-2008 |
20080306758 | System and Method for Initiating Returns Over a Network - The present invention provides systems and methods for processing return transactions over a network. An embodiment of the invention discloses an online return application that generates an electronic return shipping label that can be delivered to a browser of a customer that wishes to make a return. Also, disclosed is the creation and transmission of label delivery links, which provide for dynamic generation and delivery of shipping labels. | 12-11-2008 |
20080312937 | Robotic Fighting System - The patent is a new frame for the wars using robots instead of humans. | 12-18-2008 |
20080312938 | Ticket Management System - Embodiments of the invention include a system and set of processes for managing tickets. The system maintains a database of tickets belonging to a company and the allotment of the tickets to employees and clients. The system provides interfaces for requesting tickets and managing ticket requests. The system optionally provides automated request processing, ticket resale and purchase and electronic distribution. | 12-18-2008 |
20080312939 | Automated Identification of Employment History - A computer system may be configured with software that performs an automated process for identifying at least potions of the likely employment history of a specified individual. The process may include receiving information indicative of the identity of the specified individual. The process may include searching patent inventor data for patents and/or patent applications that list the specified individual as an inventor. The patent inventor data may be indicative of the inventors of patents and/or patent applications. The process may include searching patent ownership data for owners to whom the specified inventor has transferred the patents and/or patent applications. The patent ownership data may be indicative of owners to whom inventors have transferred their interests in patents and/or patent applications. The process may include generating a report listing the owners in association with the specified individual. | 12-18-2008 |
20080312940 | Imputing Intellectual Property Owned by Subsidiaries During Automated Identification of Owned Intellectual Property - A computer system may be configured with software that performs an automated process for identifying intellectual property owned by a specified company. The process may include receiving information indicative of the identity of the specified company. The process may include searching parent/subsidiary data for subsidiaries of the specified company. The parent/subsidiary data may be indicative of the identify of subsidiaries of various companies. The process may include searching intellectual property ownership data for intellectual property owned by the specified company and by the subsidiaries of the specified company. The intellectual property ownership data may be indicative of the identity of intellectual property owned by various companies. The process may include generating a report identifying the intellectual property owned by the specified company and by each of the subsidiaries of the specified company. | 12-18-2008 |
20080312941 | SEPARABLE BILLING FOR PERSONAL DATA SERVICES - A billing system and method for providing both business and personal data access to a user of a wireless communications device is provided. A user enters an access request, and it is determined if the access request is a personal type access request or a business type access request. Personal type access requests are processed in order to provide billing for the personal requests to the user of the wireless communications device, and business type access requests are processed to provide billing to the business. Such systems and methods provide enhanced convenience to mobile workers while avoiding additional costs associated with such services being incurred by the business. | 12-18-2008 |
20080312942 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR DISPLAYING PREDICTIONS ON A SPATIAL MAP - A method and system for displaying predictions on a spatial map includes using a data analyzer for analyzing heterogeneous data having a spatial component to find utilizable data and using machine learning to automatically extract relationships from the utilizable data. The extracted relationships are used to make a prediction about at least one location on the spatial map and present that prediction in an oblique or perspective view. An interface presents the prediction on the spatial map in the form of a heat map overlying a 3-D topographical map. Although the 3-D map can be shown as any form of graphical projection including an oblique projection or orthographic projection, preferably a perspective view is used. It is also preferred that the graphical projection be interactive. The heat map may be 2-D or 3-D and be selectively displayed depending on the preference of a user. | 12-18-2008 |
20080312943 | Method And System For Data Product License-Modification Coupons - A method and system for issuing and redeeming digital coupons for requesting and granting modifications of licensed computer data products. Modifications include versions and configurations of the licensed data product as well as licensing issues related thereto. A product licensor issues authenticated coupons to customer organizations which utilize the licensed data products. The coupons are not necessarily specific to any particular computer or device, data product, version, license or configuration. Coupons can thereby be easily distributed to users within the organization. A user fills out the coupon with a request for the desired modifications and sends the coupon to the licensor, who fulfills the request by sending modification installation code directly to the user, thereby avoiding unnecessary overhead burdens on the organization. Digital coupons may be used in conjunction with external hardware devices (“dongles”) or with internal software licensing modules. | 12-18-2008 |
20080312944 | Apparatus and method for metering, monitoring and providing real time enterprise printing information - The invention relate to an apparatus and a method for monitoring all printers in an enterprise. The method includes for each transaction, authenticating a customer associated with the enterprise and obtaining a session ticket. The method also includes executing a printer list fetcher for downloading a list of in-service printer and print scan load frequency for each location with in the enterprise and executing a scheduler for implementing different categories of scans. The method further includes executing a network scan on a computer network to obtain information for all printers attached to the computer network, executing a local scan on each computer that is attached to a non-network printer to obtain information for all non-network printers in the enterprise and executing a port scan to obtain information for all non-catalogued printers. The method also includes compiling all scanned information, obtained from executing the network scan, the local scan and the port scan, in a file and dispatching the file to an external server and using the file in the external server to provide printer status information and usages for each printer in the enterprise. | 12-18-2008 |
20080312945 | Divided title property allocation method and system - A system and method divides the full undivided or fee simple property rights bundle of an individual property into at least two distinct property titles, each encompassing distinct rights and available to distinct owners. One divided title can be a possessing title that encompasses the single unbundled property right of possession and the second divided title can be a controlling-title that encompasses all unbundled full undivided or fee simple rights to the property other than possession. As a result, transactions that transfer physical possession of the property without transferring other rights that control modifications to the property can be accomplished. The system and method permits other divisions of the full undivided or fee simple property rights bundle to achieve other objectives property owners may desire. | 12-18-2008 |
20080312946 | TRADE SHOW INFORMATION MANAGEMENT - Location-based technologies improve a trade show information management. Attendees may benefit from real time, location-specific feedback on trade show activities, aggregated exhibit ratings from other participants, automated and semi-automated exchanges of information with exhibitors, and so forth. Similarly, exhibitors may benefit from improved flow of relevant foot traffic and convenient registration of booth attendees. Trade show operators may also benefit from improved costing of trade show floor space, as well as enhanced opportunities to target related promotions. | 12-18-2008 |
20080312947 | METHOD OF IDENTIFYING ANIMALS WITH LIKELIHOOD OF PROVIDING HIGH QUALITY MEAT - A method of identifying prior to or after birth whether an animal, such as a Holstein calf, has an acceptable likelihood of producing high quality meat comprises the steps of:
| 12-18-2008 |
20080312948 | Method and a system for delivering messages - A system for generating a schedule for use in triggering transmission of message content in a telecommunications network is provided. The system comprises a store for storing profiles of a plurality of recipients, and a plurality of message delivery campaigns with one or more criteria. The campaigns to be executed in relation to a given inventory, which may relate to a predetermined time period, may be arranged into one or more campaign clusters. A suitable allocation method may be used individually for each of said plurality of campaign clusters to allocate, among the plurality of recipients, target recipients for each of the campaign clusters based on campaign criteria and the profiles. The allocation process may be repeated to obtain, for example as high a number of messages as possible with the network resources available without exceeding a predetermined maximum number of messages per any given recipient. After the allocation process is completed, the campaign messages are delivered to the allocated target recipients via a communications network. | 12-18-2008 |
20080312949 | Information processing apparatus and method and program - Disclosed herein is an information processing apparatus including a taker and a display controller. | 12-18-2008 |
20080312950 | Tracking Frequent Flyer Miles - Inter alia, methods, and means for tracking frequent flyer miles. One embodiment identifies a user database which has a one to many relationship to an accommodations database which contains flights the user has taken along with the corresponding distance traveled in that flight. The distance traveled corresponds to the frequent flyer miles that have been earned for that flight. There is further a vendors database which contains the vendors with which the accommodation occurred with, along with an accommodations_vendors database which indicates which accommodation corresponds to which vendor. With these databases, on a per user basis, the number of frequent flyer miles per user per vendor can be determined. Two other databases allow the determination of the number of frequent flyer miles that can be redeemed for a given vendor based on the number of frequent flyer miles earned on the vendor partners of a given vendor. These two databases are the partners database and the partners_vendors database. Thus the tracking of frequent flyer miles allows the user to determine a) the number of frequent flyer miles that can be redeemed with one vendor based on the trips taken with that vendor, and b) the total number of frequent flyer miles redeemable with a given vendor based on the number of frequent flyer miles earned with all the vendors that are partners with the given vendor. | 12-18-2008 |
20080319766 | Subscription-based catastrophe-triggered transport services facilitation method and apparatus - One or more non-human-powered vehicles ( | 12-25-2008 |
20080319767 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR IDENTIFYING DEPENDENCY LOOPS - An apparatus and a method for identifying dependency loops in an urban development graph (UDG) having nodes each representing an urban development factor (f), wherein the nodes are connected to each other via weighted edges describing dependencies between the nodes, wherein an objective function value is calculated for each loop of the urban development graph (UDG) and the loops are sorted according to the respective calculated objective function values of the loops. | 12-25-2008 |
20080319768 | METHODS, APPARATUSES, AND COMPUTER PROGRAM PRODUCTS FOR DEVICE MANAGEMENT - A method, apparatus, and computer program product for safety device management is provided. The method includes performing an action with respect to the safety device in accordance with a rule when a corresponding condition of the rule is met. The actions subject to the rule include at least one of: device inspection, device testing, device activation, device de-activation, device reset, and notification generation. | 12-25-2008 |
20080319769 | Activity Manager - An operations instance is created in an operations environment, and an activity item is created related to the operations instance. An initialization level for the activity item is identified and one or more parameters associated with the activity item are initialized based on the initialization level, wherein one of the parameters comprises an escalation parameter. An escalation report is generated based on the escalation parameter. | 12-25-2008 |
20080319770 | REPLENISHMENT PLANNING MANAGEMENT - A computer-implemented method of managing stock levels includes obtaining target-location-dependent information pertaining to a location product in an order management system using order proposals for management of the stock levels. The location product may not be included in an active order proposal. A computer-readable medium and/or system may also be provided. | 12-25-2008 |
20080319771 | SELECTIVE DATA FEED DISTRIBUTION ARCHITECTURE - An architecture for providing data feeds to clients in a service-based platform environment is provided where the platform stores an immense amount of data regarding transactions occurring on the platform. In one aspect, the platform operates in a partner context such that partners are clients to the platform service, and the partner exposes the service to its own customers as well. In this regard, data feeds can be transmitted as local copies to the partner from the service to facilitate customized viewing and analyzing of the data beyond that offered by the service platform. To this end, the partner can created custom applications and services that provide access to the data for customers and the partner itself. This mitigates service-side processing of requests for data by partners and customers of the partners, as well as storage on the service platform. | 12-25-2008 |
20080319772 | SYSTEM AND BUSINESS METHOD FOR LEASING A MOLD - A method for managing a lease purchase program includes a computing system, a network, one or more databases, and a server. The server provides a sales proposal operation, a mold design operation, a mold construction operation, a completed sales operation, and/or a payment schedule operation for a mold lease purchase. | 12-25-2008 |
20080319773 | PERSONALIZED TRAVEL GUIDE - The claimed subject matter relates to architectures for providing and accessing a service that facilitates an enhanced travel experience. The architectures can determine a location of a subscribing mobile device, match a profile relating to the device with available guides for a site in proximity to the location, and transmit a notification to the device of the availability of the guide(s). The architecture can also provide incentives to third-parties for authoring guides or content for guides as well as tools and/or templates to assist in guide creation. In addition, the architecture can receive requests from the device for guides as well as facilitate the output of the guide on the subscribing device. | 12-25-2008 |
20080319774 | PIXEL CLUSTER TRANSIT MONITORING FOR DETECTING CLICK FRAUD - Detecting click fraud that includes a processing device that receives data related to a cursor movement towards an advertisement displayed on a web page. The processing device analyzes the cursor movement data and determines a confidence level useable in the determination of click fraud, the confidence level responsive to the analysis of the cursor movement. The received data includes data that the cursor on the web page has transited at least one pixel cluster on the web page prior to a clicking the advertisement. In one embodiment, a click fraud is detected when the click occurred without the cursor crossing a pixel cluster, and no click fraud occurring when the click occurred after the cursor crossed a pixel cluster. | 12-25-2008 |
20080319775 | BOWLING SYSTEM - A system for managing data associated with one or more bowling centers. The system includes a bowling center databases that collects information associated with patrons of an associated bowling center and a central database server that communicates with each of a plurality of bowling center databases. The system may be used to track expenditures made by patrons and issue rewards points to patrons, who may later redeem the rewards points for goods or services from the bowling centers or third parties. The system may be used to administer a loyalty program which tracks expenditures made by patrons and issues rewards points to patrons, who may later redeem the rewards points for goods or services from the bowling centers or third parties, or by bowling center owners for general customer management and marketing with services such as automated electronic mail. | 12-25-2008 |
20080319776 | Systems and methods for extending a patent monopoly on an active ingredient for a chemical composition and on the chemical composition having the active ingredient - A system and method are provided for extending the period of traditional patent protection. Initially, the developer develops an active ingredient for a chemical composition and/or the chemical composition having the active ingredient. An initial patent application is then filed in a selected country on behalf of the developer of the active ingredient and/or the composition having the active ingredient, such application being directed to the active ingredient and/or the composition having the active ingredient, and an initial certificate of patent grant on the active ingredient and/or composition having the active ingredient is obtained. Limited data relating to the active ingredient and/or the composition having the active ingredient is released by the developer, such data being the only publicly available data on the active ingredient and/or the composition having the active ingredient. Next, at least a first time interval during the product life of the active ingredient and/or the composition having the active ingredient is identified. The first interval commences upon submission of the initial application directed to protection of the active ingredient and/or the composition having the active ingredient and ends on the date that authorization is obtained from one of a group of government related regulatory authorities for marketing the active ingredient and/or the composition having the active ingredient. Thereafter, at least a second time interval during the product life of the active ingredient and/or the composition having the active ingredient is identified. The second interval begins on the date that initial marketing of the active ingredient and/or the composition having the active ingredient commenced and ends upon expiration of the certificate of patent grant. Finally, before the end of either of the first and second time intervals, a subsequent patent application is filed on behalf of the developer in the same country as the initial application, the subsequent application being based on the initial application, having subject matter in common with the initial application, and having continuity of filing with respect to the initial application. The subsequent application is directed to newly appreciated properties or characteristics of the active ingredient and/or the composition having the active ingredient. Finally, a subsequent certificate of patent grant is then obtained on the subsequent application, thereby lawfully interfering with the production and marketing of such active ingredient and/or composition having the active ingredient by the one or more third party developers. | 12-25-2008 |
20080319777 | Business transaction issue manager - A plurality of business transactions associated with a user may be determined based on a role of the user, wherein each business transaction includes business data associated with the business transaction. A user-defined issue based on the plurality of business transactions may be received, the user-defined issue including at least one of an issue-type, one or more issue-definitions based on the business data, and one or more priorities associated with the one or more issue-definitions. One or more business transactions of the plurality of business transactions in which the business data of each of the one or more business transactions corresponds to one or more of the issue-definitions may be determined. The one or more business transactions may be provided in association with the user-defined issue and including at least a portion of the business data. | 12-25-2008 |
20080319778 | Neighborhood bartering in a geo-spatial network - A method, apparatus, and system of neighborhood bartering in a geo-spatial network are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method includes providing a plurality of user profiles, each user profile to include an associated specific geographic location, associating a first user with a first user profile, providing a plurality of item profiles, each item profile associated with a user profile, selecting an item profile from the plurality of item profiles, and generating an item transaction, between the first user profile and a second user profile associated with the selected item profile, based on at least one of the specific geographic location associated with the first user profile and the specific geographic location associated with the second user profile. | 12-25-2008 |
20080319779 | Activation system architecture - Techniques are described for generating a license for software installed on a device. An entitlement certificate is generated including one or more entitlements describing license characteristics of the software. The one or more entitlements are determined in accordance with first information about the software. The first information includes at least one of a purchase token and package information. A binding certificate in accordance with a binding type for the software is generated. A license in accordance with said binding certificate and said entitlement certificate is generated. The binding certificate identifies an entity to which the license is bound. | 12-25-2008 |
20080319780 | Defining reports for dimension based enterprise resource planning systems - A reporting tool is used to create reports for dimension based ERP (“Enterprise Resource Planning”) systems. The dimensions for the report may be selected manually and/or automatically. The reports are defined using the selected dimensions that are obtained directly from the ERP system without including the fully qualified account information. Additionally, dimension hierarchies may be imported directly from the ERP system. | 12-25-2008 |
20080319781 | ASSESSMENT AND GROUPING APPLICATIONS OF LIFEOTYPES - The methods and systems described herein may involve determining at least one lifeotype of at least one individual, analyzing the at least one lifeotype, and delivering an assessment to at least one individual based on the analysis or delivering a compatibility assessment to at least one individual based on the analysis. | 12-25-2008 |
20080319782 | METHODS OF COLLECTING AND VISUALIZING GROUP INFORMATION - A system and methods allow groups to be managed. Various methods of collecting and visualizing group information are described. A group head and various members of organizations can organize fundraising activities. Group performance can be rated and displayed. Various group successes can be reported. | 12-25-2008 |
20080319783 | Charging Method, System and Server for PoC Service - A charging method, a system and a server for Poc service are disclosed. The Poc server transmits updating CCR message to OCS when the number of the clients participated in conversation changes, the message carries the information of the number of the clients participated in the conversation. The present invention could provide the charging scheme based on the number of the clients participated in the conversation to the user, therefore the diversiform charging requirements of operators are fulfilled and the satisfaction degree of users is increased. | 12-25-2008 |
20090006107 | REEFER FUEL TAX REPORTING FOR THE TRANSPORT INDUSTRY - A fuel tax measuring and reporting tool is provided for a mobile refrigeration unit that is capable of providing state-by-state fuel tax reporting, automatically, relating to fuel consumed by a mobile refrigeration unit. Fuel use of an engine powering the refrigeration unit is measured based on either power consumption by, or fuel flow to, the engine. Processing of this data locally or remotely allows accurate fuel tax reporting in connection with transmission of this data from the site of the mobile refrigeration unit. | 01-01-2009 |
20090006108 | Creating A Session Log For A Computing Device Being Studied For Usability - Methods, systems, and products are disclosed for creating a session log for a computing device being studied for usability that include: recording, by a usability expert in a session log, usability observations observed by the usability expert during a usability session for studying the interaction of a user with a computing device; detecting, by an event listener on the computing device, an event generated as a result of user interaction with the device; notifying, by the event listener, a usability engine of the event; and recording, by the usability engine, a description of the event in the session log. | 01-01-2009 |
20090006109 | Rights Engine Including Event Logs - A location indicator indicative of a network address where a content item is located or a content item can be received from a rights holder. An indication of access rights, in a computer-readable, canonicalized format, to be associated with the content item is received from the rights holder. The content item or the location indicator is stored in association with the indication of access rights. A searchable repository can be provided to the content consumer. The searchable repository can be utilized by the content consumer to access the content item according to search parameters that comprise the indication of access rights associated with the content item. Transaction and content consumption events may be tracked to facilitate various functions, such as dynamic pricing models, access rights enforcement, and revenue tracking. | 01-01-2009 |
20090006110 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MONITORING EVENT PARTICIPATION - The invention provides a system and method for monitoring event participation. | 01-01-2009 |
20090006111 | EVENT NEGOTIATION - A method for negotiating details of an event is disclosed. A user interface provides a set of widgets adapted to define details of the event, and at least one widget adapted to create a poll for a detail of the event. When the widget to create a poll is selected, at least one data field is provided to receive options regarding the event detail. Once the event is saved, it is published to a web page, and invitations are sent electronically to guests. If a poll has been created, then the published web page includes voting buttons that may be selected by the guests when they visit the web page such that preferences may be accommodated in scheduling the event. Further, the event web page is modified each time a vote button is selected such that tallies of the votes for each option are displayed. | 01-01-2009 |
20090006112 | DASHBOARD MAP FILTERING AND CLUTTER/DECLUTTER ALGORITHM - A device displays multiple products associated with a customer of a network and provided by the network, receives a customer selection of a filtering mechanism, and one of increases or reduces a display of the multiple products based on the customer selection of the filtering mechanism and based on device types associated with the multiple products. | 01-01-2009 |
20090006113 | Method for Structuring and Controlling an Organization - The instant application provides a method for running an organization. Each individual in the organization is assigned to one of a plurality of circles. The circles uses dynamic steering in the performance of periodic governance meetings. The governance meetings are used to: define accountabilities, in which each accountability is an activity performed in service of the organization; define roles; assign to each role at least one of the accountabilities; assign to each individual in the circle at least one of the roles, wherein each individual filling a role is accountable to the organization for every accountability assigned to that role; and using a decision-making process to resolve identified tensions within the circle. Additionally, the circles use dynamic steering in the performance of periodic operational meetings. The operational meetings are used to: exchange information and make decisions requiring integration of multiple roles in the circle; review metrics relevant to the circle; and resolve tactical issues related to the circle. | 01-01-2009 |
20090006114 | Multi-channel commerce-related data management - An approach to commerce-related data management is described that allows multiple heterogeneous enterprise application systems to utilize a centralized data store for managing and storing data generated and/or used by the enterprise application systems. One implementation of the commerce-related data management system includes a data store, business logic and Web services logic. The data store stores commerce-related data. The business logic is configured to access the commerce-related data stored in the data store. The Web services logic is configured to receive service requests transmitted by multiple heterogeneous enterprise application systems over a network. The business logic is further configured to perform one or more operations upon the commerce-related data stored in the data store responsive to receipt of the service requests by the Web services logic. | 01-01-2009 |
20090006115 | Establishing and updating reputation scores in online participatory systems - The establishment and adjustment of the reputation score of a party in an online transaction system is described. A party may provide consideration to a transaction portal. In response, the transaction portal may increase (or initially establish) a reputation score for the party based upon the consideration. The portal may return to the party at least a portion of the consideration in response to a favorable event. The portal may decrease the score based upon factors such as the value of transactions weighted by user ratings. The transaction portal may also increase the score based upon a function of commissions made in transactions involving the party. | 01-01-2009 |
20090006117 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR WARRANTING AGAINST PROPERTY INSPECTION CONTINGENCIES - The invention herein provides a warranty that indemnifies or offsets against the financial risk that a property inspection will reveal a defect that cannot or will not be rehabilitated by a seller, causing a contract contingent on a satisfactory property condition to result in the termination of a contract for the sale of the property. More particularly, the invention includes identifying a property for sale having an associated risk of a defect; recording a contract for sale having an inspection contingency; generating a warranty contract that accounts for the risk of not satisfying the contingency. The invention further include generating statistics from a population of contracts having been voided for failing to meet an inspection contingency; pricing and binding a warranty contract covering one of a prospective buyer or a seller according to a contractual interest in the property for sale and the statistics. | 01-01-2009 |
20090006118 | System and method for providing competitive pricing for automobiles - A preferred embodiment of the invention includes a method and system to provide a competitive pricing tool so that automobile dealers can more efficiently and effectively price their used vehicles. The system achieves the optimal sales price by obtaining the relevant pricing and mileage of vehicles for sale that are similarly situated to the focus vehicle. Once the information is obtained, the system creates a value ranking for each of the vehicles for sale and for the focus vehicle. The user is then able to revise the focus vehicle pricing to determine the optimal sales price. | 01-01-2009 |
20090006119 | WEBSITE AFFILIATION ANALYSIS METHOD AND SYSTEM - A system, method and apparatus for determining an affiliation of visitors to a web-site under scrutiny is disclosed, having a log analyzer, a filter updater, and optionally, one or more affiliation lookup modules and a report creator. The log analyzer accepts and processes log data information relating to visitor traffic at the web-site under scrutiny, such as may be compiled by a conventional web data logger. The log analyzer subjects each log data entry to a series of cascading stakeholder filters, each of which may contain certain constituent filter criteria. If one of the criteria is satisfied by the log data entry, the entry is affiliated or associated with the corresponding stakeholder and stored in a database in association with such stakeholder. If the log data entry is not affiliated with any of the stakeholder filters, it is relegated to a remainder bin for processing by the filter updater. The filter updater attempts to generate filter criteria to trap the log data entry and stores such criteria in one of the stakeholder filters. The choice of stakeholder filter is governed by an affiliation identification exercise which may involve invocation of one or more of the affiliation lookup modules. Preferably, the affiliation identification exercise is facilitated by identification of a domain name corresponding to the IP address maintained in the log data entry. Preferably, the filter updating process operates in parallel with the processing of the log data entries. Further, advantageously, affiliation identification exercises in a first system may provide assistance in affiliation identification in a second system by cross-pollination. | 01-01-2009 |
20090006120 | Social and/or Business Relations Icebreaker: the use of communication hardware and/or software to safely communicate desires to further advance relations without the fear of being rejected and/or unnecessarily revealing information and/or intentions. - Even in this Web 2.0 era, social networking channels fail to address an essential issue; that is the fear of being rejected. Likewise, business relations suffer from the flood of spam emails and junk mails. The lack of safe and quality exchange of information has hindered the progress of positive business relations. This invention involves a new use of currently available web and communication technologies. New inventions we commonly see try to build up methodologies to increase the quality of information about members in a social network. They try to locate members of the like interest real time using global positioning technologies. All these efforts try to expand relations to the unknown world, getting to know people they have never interacted before. My invention targets on people you have seen or acquainted with, or companies you know. Based on the knowledge you have with certain people or companies of interest (“prospects”), this invention provides a safe environment for advancing social and/or business relations. A networked database is being used to facilitate the process. A member's intention to advance relation with a prospect (also one of the network members) will be disclosed to such prospect only when such prospect also intends to advance relation with the member; and only when certain criteria and/or expectations predefined by members are met. | 01-01-2009 |
20090006121 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR WEB BASED AUTOMATIC LETTER WRITING - A computer implemented correspondence writing and delivery service is disclosed. In one embodiment, the service allows a user, who is a subscriber to the service, to log on to a web site and generate portions of a letter, such as the body. The service then presents a number of potential recipients for the letter, such as, in one form, a listing of elected officials from the user's identified voting district. The user selects one or more recipients and a unique letter is generated for each, including their office address. According to one form, each unique letter is printed following creation in a customized fashion and dispatched for delivery to the recipient's address via a delivery method. | 01-01-2009 |
20090006122 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CREATING A COST-EFFECTIVE AND EFFICIENT RETAIL ELECTRIC POWER EXCHANGE/ENERGY SERVICE PROVIDER LOAD OPTIMIZATION EXCHANGE AND NETWORK THEREFOR - An electric power exchange network includes a series of computerized exchange nodes that provide communications between suppliers and purchasers or users of electric power. Search engines enable suppliers to obtain information, such as load characteristics, from users in the network to allow the supplier to effectively merge or combine its existing loads with those of certain users, whereby a more efficient trading of electric power among members of the exchange network can be achieved. | 01-01-2009 |
20090006123 | Electronic Commerce Transaction Audit System, Electronic Commerce Transaction Audit Method, and Storage Medium Recording Electronic Commerce Transaction Audit Program Thereon - The present invention comprises agent for gathering transaction log means for automatically collecting all exchange messages notarized and recorded depressively by a plurality of electronic notarize means in connection with the electronic commerce transaction so as to reproduce them as an event of the entire wide network area, agent for gathering protocol standards means for automatically collecting protocols of the specifications on the electronic commerce transaction, whereby correctly grasping an event to be generated in the entire wide network area, and a log analysis engine for comparing the event of the entire wide network area reproduced by the agent for gathering transaction log means with the event to be generated in the entire wide network area grasped by the agent for gathering protocol standards means, whereby carrying out an objective audit. | 01-01-2009 |
20090006124 | Method and System Providing Advice and Services to Consumers - The present invention provides a method and system for providing advice and/or services to a consumer including the secure electronic storage of rich private personal data preferably held in trust for and on behalf of a natural person or nominated business or corporate entities. The system provides the applications, processes, controls and data management services to collect from various sources, transfer, store and selectively retrieve data necessary to perform a range of specified planning and decision support activities or events, for which specific applications have been integrated with the secure data store for these purposes. The invention provides for the data owner and authorised persons such as advice and service providers to gain authenticated access to accessible data to undertake permitted tasks. These tasks may include receiving data or record views, or undertaking planning or decision support strategies, or such other tasks as are prescribed. In an embodiment, the system limits access to applications to approved authorised persons and requires specific permissions from the owner in order to manage data privacy standards. The system allows the owner to provide and revoke access permissions to applications and tracks and records all access events. | 01-01-2009 |
20090012798 | TRAVELER SAFETY INFORMATION CORRELATION SYSTEM AND ASSOCIATED METHODS - A traveler safety information correlation system is provided. An interactive, real-time mapping tool is combined with traveler location and alert information data sources. Recorded locations corresponding to human assets are overlaid on geographical maps enabling an operator to determine real or near real-time locations of human assets, such as an organizations employees. Traveler location information may obtained from computerized reservation systems, credit card processing systems, cellular and wireless computer networks, and/or other systems. The traveler safety information correlation system may also be used to generate alerts and to deliver information messages to human assets. | 01-08-2009 |
20090012799 | COMMUNITY-BASED TRAVEL DESTINATION DETERMINATION - In one embodiment, a method for providing destination matching results for a community of users is provided. For example, a community of users may want to plan a trip together. Each of the users can create a travel profile of attributes. Once the travel profiles are received from the community of users, destination matching results based on the travel profiles of the users taken in combination are determined based on the destination profiles for destinations. For example, the ten best destinations that are determined to best match the travel profiles of the community of users are selected. The search result of destinations is then provided for access by the community of users. For example, a web page may be created that includes the search results. Each of the community of users may access the web page and review the results. | 01-08-2009 |
20090012800 | COMPUTER-ASSISTED INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY SERVICE DESIGN SYSTEM - A method and system are disclosed for providing automated assistance to a service provider for creating a technical solution definition for a project for delivering Information Technology (IT) outsourcing services for a customer. The method comprises the steps of providing, in machine processable form, a definition of a taxonomy of a set of standard services offered by the service provider; providing, in machine processable form, a repository of service designs, each of the service designs describing a set of IT architecture components to deliver a service associated with a standard service element, according to a specified best practice rule; and providing, in machine processable form, a collection of policies that can be executed to validate the service designs selected to deliver the set of contracted services. A computer implemented design tool is used to define the scope of a project a set of service designs, and to run policy-based validation checks on the design. | 01-08-2009 |
20090012801 | Warranty service system - The present invention provides a warranty service system. It comprises a flash disk for warranty service, a computer, Internet and a registration center. The registration center is a computer server having a web address and a data base. A customer plugs the flash disk for warranty service into the computer and links with the registration center via Internet to achieve a warranty registration. | 01-08-2009 |
20090012802 | Parcel retrieval system and method - A parcel retrieval system and method are provided. If the intended recipient receives notice of a failed delivery attempt of a parcel by a delivery driver, the recipient may be put in contact with the delivery service via voice telephone communications, or via an internet website or the like. The delivery vehicle provides the delivery service with position information regarding the current location of the delivery vehicle. The delivery service utilizes the current position information provided by the delivery vehicle to provide rendezvous information to the recipient, which rendezvous information can be used by the recipient to find the delivery vehicle and retrieve the parcel, en route, from the driver at a nearby location. | 01-08-2009 |
20090012803 | System and method for real estate spatial data analysis - A system and method for providing analysis on geocoded objects through collection, distribution and use of information through a user interface which allows the user to visualize the analysis through maps, symbols, text, and colors. In the context of commercial real estate, the system and method provides the user with a visual display and printout which allows the user to make decisions as to where retail locations should be located. | 01-08-2009 |
20090012804 | Network-based consensus formation method using configurable finite-state machines - A computer-networked method for persons to express desires and intentions relating to a formal proposal or offer is described. Each interaction is modeled as a transition between a finite set of states. The allowed states and transitions are defined by a finite-state automaton called a way of doing business, or waydob™, decorated with various functions. The history of the interaction is recorded as an appendable but immutable list of transitions against the finite-state machine. Transitions are regulated by computable functions attached to the finite-state machine, thus permitting privileges, privacy, and other rules of the way of doing business to be enforced. By collecting parameters at transition points, commercial as well as non-commercial human interactions can be modeled and facilitated. | 01-08-2009 |
20090012805 | Portable Digital Rights for Multiple Devices - Portable digital rights for multiple devices is described. In an embodiment, a digital rights management (DRM) system includes a first device with a removable component configured as a token that is associated with a DRM license. The first device also includes a removable memory card that stores protected media content on which the first device can perform actions as permitted by the DRM license. The DRM system also includes a second device that can have the removable component and the removable memory card when removed from the first device and installed in the second device such that the second device can perform the actions on the protected media content as permitted by the DRM license. | 01-08-2009 |
20090012806 | System, method and apparatus for data capture and management - A method and system and apparatus for capturing, accessing, securing, personalizing and organizing data and content. The system includes a plurality of mobile computing devices. Each mobile device preferably includes a personalized interface for multiple input data capture and includes a system for transmitting the content and information to a secure server network, a system for organizing the data and information into personalized modules, and a means for transmitting the content to third parties for authentication and time/date stamping and registration. Said apparatus captures stores, secures, and sends data and information via wireless transmission means and/or networked means, to a mobile device and/or secure server to facilitate discovery and or innovation. | 01-08-2009 |
20090012807 | System and Method for Generating Graphical Advertisements Based on Text Offers - Systems and methods for generating a graphical advertisement based on a text offer are disclosed. Generally, an ad provider receives a request for a graphical ad. The ad provider sends a script to a browser comprising a call to a keyword extraction module. The ad provider receives a keyword from the keyword extraction module and determines a text offer associated with the keyword. The ad provider sends the text offer to the browser and sends an ad template for creating graphical advertisements based on the text offer to the browser. | 01-08-2009 |
20090012808 | METHOD FOR FLEXIBLE DEFINITION AND RETRIEVAL OF BEHAVIORAL DATA APPLICABLE TO MULTIPLE PARTICIPATING PARTIES - A method for guiding the decision making process prior to a company entering into an agreement, or engaging in a transaction, or conducting a business event. Policies, factors, weights, and relative priorities for the factors are established for each kind of agreement, transaction or event. Later, the established factors are retrieved and they are operated upon in accordance with an algorithm. | 01-08-2009 |
20090012809 | SYSTEM FOR INDIVIDUAL RETRAINING WITH A SAVINGS COMPONENT - The system described herein allows an individual or worker who has a job to select a different occupation for which to be trained. The information about the new occupation, such as cost of education, books, etc. along with the cost of living during the retraining and subsequent job search and the probability of job loss are used to determine a savings target and, if needed, a periodic savings amount. | 01-08-2009 |
20090012810 | Method for using an electromagnetic scratchcard to provide services - The invention pertains to a system and a method for using an electromagnetic scratchcard to provide services between a terminal accessible to a service customer and an infrastructure. The system comprises a network and a server of a service provider, whereby an activation code is present in electronic or magnetic form on the electromagnetic scratchcard and whereby the activation code is used to activate a card balance that is associated with the electromagnetic scratchcard and is stored in the server. | 01-08-2009 |
20090018844 | Interactive Property Tour - A system for creating a web based tour for an item of interest characterised in that it includes the steps of:
| 01-15-2009 |
20090018845 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR CONTENT RECOMMENDATION - The present invention relates to a method and an apparatus for recommending content and updating user proprofile. The method adds a step of content alarm processing before recommending to user on a basis of the current content recommending method, so that the recommendation, which can be offered directly to a user in a previous time must be processed correspondingly in a manner of the content alarm before being sent to the user. Alternatively, after receiving an user's feedback information, the method and the system processes the feedback information correspondingly in a manner of the content alarm and updates the user profile according to the feedback information processed in the manner of the content alarm. The invention can recommend contents more carefully and accurately, making the recommendation conforming further to the user's requirement so as to avoid as far as possible the recommendation of unwished program to users. | 01-15-2009 |
20090018846 | SUBSCRIBER PREFERRED MEDIA SYSTEM AND METHOD - Embodiments of the present invention include a system and method for providing subscriber preferred media. To create a subscription for a category of media content, such as a music subscription, a user may receive in an electronic device media sample portions (such as song sample portions) representative of different genres. The user may play or listen to the media sample portions for a sample time not to exceed the time of the respective media sample portion. For each media sample portion for which the sample time exceeds a benchmark time, the system may set a user preference for the genre of such media sample portion. As part of a subscription, the user then may receive media file offerings (such as song offerings) within the same genre as that of the corresponding preferred media sample portion. A comprehensive subscription service may include subscriptions for a variety of media categories, such as music, movies or other video, news and information, etc. | 01-15-2009 |
20090018847 | MODELING AND FORECASTING SERVICE PERFORMANCE - A method for modeling a financial risk in a service level agreement (SLA) between a service provider and a customer for the service provider to provide one or more services to the customer is provided. The method includes forecasting a service performance of the service provider for at least one performance metric of the SLA, modeling at least one scenario for the SLA based on one or more negotiated terms between the service provider and the customer as found in the SLA, and applying the forecasted service performance of the service provider against the at least one modeled SLA scenario to calculate a financial risk of the service provider with regard to the at least one modeled SLA scenario. | 01-15-2009 |
20090018848 | Method and apparatus for sending a notification to contacts of a user - In some embodiments, a computer automatically sends notifications to contacts of a traveler, if the traveler does not indicate his return from a trip on time. The traveler arranges for a notification by logging in to a website and entering trip information regarding a trip to be taken by the traveler. The entered trip information includes the traveler's destination, a return date and time, and at least one electronic communication address for contacting a contact. If the traveler indicates his return by the return date and time, the traveler may log in to the website and cancel the notification. However, if after the return date and time, no indication is received that the user has returned from the destination, a computer automatically sends a notification to the electronic communication address, the notification indicating that the user has not returned from the destination by the return date and time. | 01-15-2009 |
20090018849 | Web-based over-the-air provisioning and activation of mobile terminals - In a method for over-the-air provisioning of a mobile terminal in a wireless network, a first transaction between the mobile terminal and a web server is performed via an external port. During the first transaction, the mobile terminal obtains user subscription information for subscribing to network services. During a second transaction between the web server and the mobile terminal, the mobile terminal obtains device management information for authorizing the mobile terminal to access the network services. The first and second transactions are conducted via the same external port. | 01-15-2009 |
20090018850 | Security in a geo-spatial environment - A method and system of security in a geo-spatial environment are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method of organizing a community network includes obtaining member data associated with a member of the community network, determining a location of the member based on the member data, storing the member data in a member repository, obtaining a personal privacy preference from the member, applying the personal privacy preference to a geo-spatial map, and displaying the member data on the geo-spatial map based on the personal privacy preference. The method may further include determining a community membership of the member based on the location, obtaining a group privacy preference associated with the community membership from the member, determining a validation level of the member, applying the group privacy preference to the geo-spatial map based on the validation level, and displaying the location on the geo-spatial map based on the group privacy preference. | 01-15-2009 |
20090018851 | Method and apparatus for arranging business introductions - A network that uses registration information of multiple parties along with a matching function to match two parties that have a business contact that both parties would benefit from if the parties were introduced. Once found, the network notifies one party that a match has been found. This party is then allowed to either accept or reject an initial introduction without informing the second party. If the introduction is accepted, the second party is then notified that a match has been found and the first party accepted the initial introduction. Now the second party has an opportunity to accept or reject the initial introduction. If accepted the first party is notified that the second party has accepted the introduction and simultaneous messages containing contact information are sent to the first and second parties. The parties then contact each other directly to consummate the initial introduction. Afterwards, the parties will arrange to make formal unsupervised introductions with the business contact. | 01-15-2009 |
20090018852 | METHOD OF WIDE AREA NETWORK COMPETITION - An example method of conducting a competition over a wide area network includes the steps of receiving a fee from at least one user, allocating a quantity of potential votes to the user based on the fee, providing competition entries for evaluation by the user, and receiving a vote from the user corresponding to one of the competition entries. The method may award the competition entry receiving the highest number of votes. The award may include a portion of the fee. | 01-15-2009 |
20090018853 | USING A SOFTWARE APPLICATION TO CONFIGURE A FOAM SPRING MATTRESS - An aspect of the present invention relates to a method and system of receiving information of a user's support facility comfort requirements; using a software application to determine a proper support facility firmness configuration to match the user's requirement; selecting foam springs with the proper user required firmness as determined by the software application; and configuring the selected foam springs within the support facility to match the user's firmness requirements. | 01-15-2009 |
20090018854 | USING A SOFTWARE APPLICATION TO CONFIGURE A FOAM SPRING MATTRESS - An aspect of the present invention relates to a method and system of receiving information of a user's support facility comfort requirements; using a software application to determine a proper support facility firmness configuration to match the user's requirement; selecting foam springs with the proper user required firmness as determined by the software application; and configuring the selected foam springs within the support facility to match the user's firmness requirements. | 01-15-2009 |
20090018855 | USING A SOFTWARE APPLICATION TO CONFIGURE A FOAM SPRING MATTRESS - An aspect of the present invention relates to a method and system of receiving information of a user's support facility comfort requirements; using a software application to determine a proper support facility firmness configuration to match the user's requirement; selecting foam springs with the proper user required firmness as determined by the software application; and configuring the selected foam springs within the support facility to match the user's firmness requirements. | 01-15-2009 |
20090018856 | USING A SOFTWARE APPLICATION TO CONFIGURE A FOAM SPRING MATTRESS - An aspect of the present invention relates to a method and system of receiving information of a user's support facility comfort requirements; using a software application to determine a proper support facility firmness configuration to match the user's requirement; selecting foam springs with the proper user required firmness as determined by the software application; and configuring the selected foam springs within the support facility to match the user's firmness requirements. | 01-15-2009 |
20090018857 | USING A SOFTWARE APPLICATION TO CONFIGURE A FOAM SPRING MATTRESS - An aspect of the present invention relates to a method and system of receiving information of a user's support facility comfort requirements; using a software application to determine a proper support facility firmness configuration to match the user's requirement; selecting foam springs with the proper user required firmness as determined by the software application; and configuring the selected foam springs within the support facility to match the user's firmness requirements. | 01-15-2009 |
20090018858 | USING A SOFTWARE APPLICATION TO CONFIGURE A FOAM SPRING MATTRESS - An aspect of the present invention relates to a method and system of receiving information of a user's support facility comfort requirements; using a software application to determine a proper support facility firmness configuration to match the user's requirement; selecting foam springs with the proper user required firmness as determined by the software application; and configuring the selected foam springs within the support facility to match the user's firmness requirements. | 01-15-2009 |
20090018859 | Method for vehicle repair estimate and scheduling - The present invention is directed to a method for producing a repair estimate and scheduling for repairing a vehicle having one or more defects using a portable computing device. The invention is also directed to a system for producing such estimate and scheduling. | 01-15-2009 |
20090018860 | METHOD AND COMPUTER PROGRAM FOR BACK OFFICE CHECK CONVERSION - A method and computer program for facilitating back office check conversion in a retail establishment, such as during reconciliation of cash drawers. The method broadly includes the steps of retrieving first check data from a point of sale system; imaging the check to capture second check data; comparing the first and second check data to confirm that they are substantially identical; determining whether the check is eligible for automated processing; and, if so, adding the image of the check to an electronic file for subsequent transmission of the check data to a financial institution. The method may also include allowing for scheduling automatic resubmission of a returned check. The method may also include maintaining a database of the check data, and allowing for accessing and searching the database for particular check data via an electronic network. | 01-15-2009 |
20090024401 | Involvement of a Novel Nuclear-Encoded Mitochondrial Poly(A) Polymerase PAPD1 in Extreme Obesity-Related Phenotypes in Mammals - Aspects of the present invention also provide novel compositions and methods based on novel PAPD1 single nucleotide polymorphisms selected from the group consisting of AAFC02034082.1:g.9224G>A, g.9330A>C, g.9367G>C, g.9419A>C, g.9435T>G, g.9409[(G)4]+[(G)5], g.10084T>C, g.10228G>T, c.10326C>T and c.10364A>G, which may provide novel markers for intramuscular fat deposition. Additional aspects provide for novel methods which may comprise marker-assisted selection or marker-assisted management to improve intramuscular fat deposition in cattle. | 01-22-2009 |
20090024402 | SEARCH USING MULTI-FACETED REPUTATION INFORMATION - A method and a system for searching objects using reputation information are provided. Example embodiments may include presenting multiple reputation dimensions and multiple attributes related to each of the reputation dimensions to a user. The method may also include detecting user selections of reputation dimensions and attributes related to the reputation dimensions and including selected attributes related to the reputation dimensions as criteria parts of search queries. Some example embodiments may include conducting a search of a database of objects using the search query to generate search results. | 01-22-2009 |
20090024403 | IPTV TRADING SYSTEM AND METHOD - An electronic commerce system having means for re-formatting data received from an Internet electronic commerce site into a format suitable for display on a target Internet Protocol television. | 01-22-2009 |
20090024404 | ENHANCED REAL ESTATE LISTINGS VIA MULTIPLE DEVICES - A system receives, via a network, customer selected preferences for receiving different types of data at different ones of multiple devices associated with the customer and stores the customer preferences. The system sends a first type of the different types of data to the customer at a first device of the multiple devices based on the stored customer preferences and sends a second type of the different types of data to the customer at a second device of the multiple devices based on the stored customer preferences, where the second device is different than the first device. | 01-22-2009 |
20090024405 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING THE GENERATION AND DISTRIBUTION OF PUBLICATIONS - A configurable system and method for controlling the generation and/or distribution of publications, in particular for use by a financial institution, e.g. a bank, comprising the steps of: | 01-22-2009 |
20090024406 | USING A SOFTWARE APPLICATION TO CONFIGURE A FOAM SPRING MATTRESS - An aspect of the present invention relates to a method and system of receiving information of a user's support facility comfort requirements; using a software application to determine a proper support facility firmness configuration to match the user's requirement; selecting foam springs with the proper user required firmness as determined by the software application; and configuring the selected foam springs within the support facility to match the user's firmness requirements. | 01-22-2009 |
20090024407 | Indicating which of forecasting models at different aggregation levels has a better forecast quality - To perform forecasting, a first data collection having data values at first intervals is received, and a first forecasting model is built based on the first data collection. A second forecasting model is built based on a second data collection having intervals aggregated from intervals of the first data collection, wherein the second forecasting model is at a different aggregation level than the first forecasting model. At least one metric is computed by performing at least one test based on at least one of the first and second data collections to indicate which of the first and second forecasting models has a better forecast quality. | 01-22-2009 |
20090024408 | GOAL DRIVEN EXCEPTION MANAGEMENT AND ACTIONABLE RECOMMENDATION SYSTEM FOR RETAILER AND SUPPLIER APPLICATIONS - Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer program products, for providing recommendations in a retail environment. A recommendation system includes a centralized knowledge base including one or more rules for defining logic to provide recommendations based on one or more detected system alerts, an alert engine for determining alert conditions in a retail presence including out of stock conditions, a root cause engine for determining one or more root causes for out of stock conditions that are detected, a mapping engine for mapping between alerts and recommendations, and a recommendation engine for issuing one or more recommendations associated with given alerts and determined root causes. | 01-22-2009 |
20090024409 | Apparatus, system and method for a brand affinity engine using positive and negative mentions - An apparatus, system and method of implementing a computerized brand affinity engine. The apparatus, system and method include at least a plurality of computerized access points having accessible thereto a plurality of sites mentioning at least one sponsor, a categorized, hierarchical database of keywords, wherein at least the keywords falling in at least one category of the hierarchy correspond to a sponsor category of the at least one sponsor, and a tracker, wherein the tracker tracks positive ones of the mentions of the at least one sponsor on ones of the plurality of sites and negative ones of the mentions of the at least one sponsor on ones of the plurality of sites, in accordance with positive and negative keywords of the categorized, hierarchical database in the sponsor category, and wherein the tracker issues an rating with regard to the at least one sponsor in accordance with the positive ones and the negative ones of the mentions. An assessment of optimal sponsors for particular markets and/or in particular geographies that additionally increases sponsorship opportunities in particular markets and/or in particular geographies is thereby provided. | 01-22-2009 |
20090030705 | PROJECT MANAGEMENT BLACK BOX PROTECTIONS - Techniques for project management black box protections are provided. A first principal associated with a first processing environment and a first stage of a project's lifecycle requests that an action be taken on its behalf. The first principal is authenticated and policy is evaluated when the first principal is successfully authenticated. Moreover, the action is taken on behalf of the principal when the policy permits and the when the principal was successfully authenticated. | 01-29-2009 |
20090030706 | Method and System for Enhanced Cross-Team Change Request Management - In a data processing system having multiple logically coupled branch systems that share interdependent products and services, a system for providing enhanced cross-team change request management. In one embodiment, the system includes a consumer branch system that generates a consumer change request. A trunk system manages cross-team change requests between the branch systems in a shared database and stores a first cross-team change request that associates the consumer change request with a first provider branch system. In response to the first provider branch system determining that a supplemental consumer change request is required to address the first consumer change request, the first provider branch system generates a second cross-team change request within the trunk system. The second cross-team change request associates the supplemental consumer change request with a second provider branch system. | 01-29-2009 |
20090030707 | SYSTEM AND METHOD OF RESEARCHING REAL ESTATE - A method of researching real estate properties online uses a local Rich Internet Application (RIA) to perform an online search through a real estate web service and stores the results of the search locally so that they may be accessed offline. The results of the search may be further used by a map web service to generate maps of, and driving directions between, selected properties, and this information may also be stored locally for offline retrieval. | 01-29-2009 |
20090030708 | Methods, Systems, and Computer-Readable Media For Placing Orders - Included are embodiments for customized ordering. At least one embodiment of a method includes receiving an indication to send a previously created customized order to a vendor and retrieving at least one component of the customized order according to the indication. Some embodiments include determining the vendor associated with the customized order and sending the at least one component of the customized order to the vendor in a first manner, the vendor being configured to receive the customized order. | 01-29-2009 |
20090030709 | PERSONNEL LISTING ANALYSIS BASED ON ORGANIZATIONAL POSITION AND ROLE - A system, method and program product for generating a hierarchical display of a subset of individuals from within an organization. A system is provided that includes: a merging system for comparing a list of selected individuals with a master hierarchy of individuals within the organization; a rendering system for generating a sub-hierarchy that includes a portion of the master hierarchy large enough to include each of the selected individuals; and a coding system for visually distinguishing all of the selected individuals in the sub-hierarchy from other individuals not in the list of selected individuals. | 01-29-2009 |
20090030710 | CENTRALIZED DISPUTE RESOLUTION SYSTEM FOR COMMERCIAL TRANSACTIONS - A centralized dispute resolution system for use in commercial credit or debit card transactions. The inventive system utilizes a common data storage, interfaces, processes, procedures, rules, and other elements of a dispute resolution system that are made available to cardholders, merchants, card issuers, payment processors, and other parties that may be involved in a dispute or in a process intended to resolve a dispute. The system may be implemented using a client-server architecture with communication between clients and one or more server elements provided by a communications network. | 01-29-2009 |
20090030711 | Project Management System and Method - A method for completing a project includes several steps. A request for completing a project is received, including first information regarding the project. At least one person for completing the project is determined based on the first information. Second information regarding the project is also received, and instructions for completing the project are identified based on analysis of the second information. The instructions include a plurality of actions to be performed by the at least one person, including the creation of at least one document using a standardized template. The performance of the actions by the at least one person in completing the project is automatically tracked. A system suitable for performing the method is also disclosed, including a processor, a memory, and several components for performing the steps. | 01-29-2009 |
20090030712 | System and method for transferring electrical power between grid and vehicle - The present invention discloses a system for transferring electrical power between a grid and at least one vehicle. The vehicle can be Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV), Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) or Fuel Cell Vehicle (FCV). The type of vehicle will be recognized and controlled by the system to support demand response and supply side energy management. Vehicle recognition can be carried out by load signature analysis, power factor measurement or RFID techniques. In an embodiment of the invention, the grid is a Smart Grid. The present invention also discloses a method for facilitating electrical power transfer between the grid and the vehicle. | 01-29-2009 |
20090030713 | System and method of reviewing ownership of and encumbrances on intellectual property assets - A review system and method gathers and analyzes data related to ownership of and encumbrances on intellectual property assets from relevant recordation locations. The system and method analyzes the data and interprets the data and the chain of ownership of intellectual property assets. | 01-29-2009 |
20090030714 | System for printing a multiple leaf object and/or a display unit for a multiple leaf object - A system for printing a multiple leaf object for a client comprises: a first picture storage medium containing a client's pictures; a second picture storage medium containing advertisements; means allowing a client to select which of said client's pictures are required for printing; means for opting for one of a first collation option of client selected pictures at a first price and a second collation option of client selected pictures and advertisements at a second price; and means for printing a multiple leaf object according to one of said collation options. | 01-29-2009 |
20090030715 | Travel Timer - Systems and methods are described for improved schedule keeping for travelers. In one embodiment, a method including includes providing one or more travel milestones; providing travel plan information; formulating a travel plan based on the one or more travel milestones and the travel plan information; receiving one or more travel-related inputs; analyzing the one or more travel-related inputs to determine a travel status based on the one or more travel-related inputs and the travel plan; and outputting the travel status to the | 01-29-2009 |
20090030716 | INFORMATION-PROCESSING-APPARATUS-READABLE RECORDING MEDIUM CONTAINING ORDER DETERMINING PROGRAM, ORDER DETERMINING METHOD, AND ORDER DETERMINING APPARATUS - A recording medium including an order determining program, an order determining method, and an order determining apparatus. The order determining program causes an apparatus to calculate a total handling time by totaling a handling time corresponding to individual similar incidents. The order determining program also causes the apparatus to determine a knowledge creating order. | 01-29-2009 |
20090030717 | INTRA-MODALITY SYNTHESIS OF CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM, AUTONOMIC NERVOUS SYSTEM, AND EFFECTOR DATA - An intra-modality response synthesizer analyzes and enhances central nervous system, autonomic nervous system, and effector data to evaluate subject response to stimuli. A data collection mechanism obtains response data from a subject exposed to stimuli, such as marketing and entertainment stimuli. The intra-modality response synthesizer analyzes and synthesizes a plurality of modality specific response measures from central nervous system, autonomic nervous system, and effector systems. For example, the intra-modality response synthesizer analyzes response data including neurophysiological data to evaluate the effectiveness of stimuli by analyzing interactions between multiple regions of the brain. | 01-29-2009 |
20090030718 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR AUTOMATIC ACQUISITION AND DISTRIBUTION OF INFORMATION IN A REAL ESTATE CONTEXT - Certain embodiments of the present invention provide a system for automatically acquiring and distributing information regarding a property showing. The system may include an electronic lock box for securing a property key configured to open a door to a property for sale. The electronic lock box, and the property key therein, is accessible via an electronic key. The electronic key is configured to store showing data regarding the accessing of the electronic lock box. The showing data can be uploaded from the electronic key to a computer and can be transmitted to an electronic database that is accessible to a selling agent. The system also includes a server that generates a feedback request to a buying agent that is assigned to the electronic key that was used to access the lock box. The feedback request requests feedback data from the buying agent regarding the property. The server may store the feedback data received from the buying agent on the database that is accessible to the selling agent. Alternatively, the server may transmit the feedback data to the selling agent. | 01-29-2009 |
20090037193 | REAL TIME BUSINESS EVENT MONITORING, TRACKING, AND EXECUTION ARCHITECTURE - A computer system ( | 02-05-2009 |
20090037194 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PROCURING TAXICAB SERVICE - A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a dispatch system having a controller element to receive from a communication device a first wireless message including a location coordinate and a request for taxicab service, and determine available taxicab services according to the location coordinate and the request. Additional embodiments are disclosed. | 02-05-2009 |
20090037195 | MANAGEMENT OF SALES OPPORTUNITIES - An inquiry handler may be configured to receive one or more customer inquiries in response to one or more pre-sales documents associated with a product. An opportunity parser may be configured to determine a sales opportunity associated with the one or more customer inquiries based on the pre-sales documents. An activity engine may be configured to track one or more sales activities performed with respect to the sales opportunity and in response to the one or more customer inquiries. A status engine may be configured to determine a status of each of the one or more customer inquiries based on the one or more sales activities. A report generator may be configured to generate one or more activity reports associated with the sales opportunity based on the one or more customer inquiries and including the status associated with each customer inquiry. | 02-05-2009 |
20090037196 | DETERMINING WHETHER A POSTAL MAIL ITEM CONTAINING A RADIO FREQUENCY IDENTIFIER (RFID) IS JUNK MAIL - A method, computer program product, and apparatus for receiving a postal mail item. The postal mail item is received. The postal mail item contains a radio frequency identifier identifying the sender of the postal mail item. Responsive to receiving the postal mail item in the mailbox, the radio frequency identifier of the postal mail item is scanned with a scanner to identify the sender of the postal mail item. A determination is made whether the sender of the postal mail item is in a junk mail list. The junk mail list includes a list of senders accessible to a processor in the scanner. | 02-05-2009 |
20090037197 | Multi-threaded Business Programming Library - A business programming library for use by an enterprise resource planning system provides a run-time environment and a library of API services for accessing common data types and business methods, accessing table and form meta-data, and database administration and retrieval/modification. The library provides the ability to safely call into exposed services using multiple threads, and also provides indirect and executable permission checking for increasing system security. | 02-05-2009 |
20090037198 | TECHNIQUES FOR TEMPORARILY HOLDING PROJECT STAGES - Techniques for temporarily holding project stages are provided. Resources and configuration information associated with a source stage of project's lifecycle are imaged in a self-contained project package. The package is published to an intermediate holding area. The package is pulled to and initiated within a target stage of the project's lifecycle when release and access criteria are satisfied. | 02-05-2009 |
20090037199 | Warranty entitlement of image-forming device consumable item - A first computer program generates a code encoding a date when the code was generated, an at least substantially unique identifier of a consumable item for an image-forming device, and usage information regarding the consumable item. The at least substantially unique identifier and the usage information are retrieved from a memory of the consumable item. Upon a user returning the consumable item for warranty purposes, a second computer program decodes the code to obtain the date, the at least substantially unique identifier, and the usage information. The second computer program determines whether to entitle the consumable item for warranty purposes based on the date, the at least substantially unique identifier, and the usage information. The second computer program outputs whether the consumable item should be entitled for warranty purposes. | 02-05-2009 |
20090037200 | Systems and Methods for Providing Computing Device Counts - Methods, systems, and computer-readable media for providing computing device counts are disclosed. Exemplary methods include providing a count of computing devices corresponding to an organization, the count of computing devices being responsive to data corresponding to the computing devices, providing a time period for which the count is valid, and providing information on how the computing device count was determined. | 02-05-2009 |
20090037201 | Care Provider Online Interview System and Method - Audio and video data associated with an answer to an interview question associated with care is received from a care provider. The audio and video data associated with the answer to the interview question is stored. At least a portion of the stored audio and video data is selectively output in response to a request for the audio and video data. In some embodiments, a portion of a profile of a care provider is output in response to a request. The profile includes audio and video data associated with answers by the care provider to a set of care-related interview questions. Information associated with a subscription to a care provider service is received. The entire profile of the care provider is output after receiving the information associated with the subscription. | 02-05-2009 |
20090037202 | Organization Maps and Mash-ups - According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a system for representing an organization as an organization map that can be manipulated and used as a substrate to plot data includes a memory storing data corresponding to the organization map and plot data, and a processor in communication with the memory for receiving organization map and the plot data and executing commands for rendering the organization map and the plot data including, rendering the organization map as a substrate, the organization map displaying a representation of individuals in the organization, and plotting the plot data on the organization map. | 02-05-2009 |
20090037203 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PROVIDING AND DYNAMICALLY UPDATING CUSTOMER-SPECIFIC SHIPPING INFORMATION ON AN ON-SITE SERVER - A commerce system for serving a customer of delivery services using dynamically updated data including platform services, an operations-management server maintained by a vendor, and a local commerce server and a remote computer system maintained by a delivery services company. The operations-management server is positioned at a customer location and operatively connected to the platform services. The commerce server is operatively connected to the operations-management server and operatively connected to the platform services and includes local programs configured for providing services of the delivery services company to the customer. The remote computer system is connected to the local commerce server by a network. The remote computer system includes a message-management system, wherein at least one of the message-management compartments holds update data connected to the local commerce server for updating the commerce data, and includes remote programs. The operations-management and local commerce servers run interactively on the platform services. | 02-05-2009 |
20090037204 | METHOD FOR PROVIDING PRODUCT SAFETY TO A MANUFACTURED ITEM USING A MULTIPLE USE VERIFICATION CODE - In a method and system for providing product safety to a manufactured item, a verification code is associated with the manufactured item. The verification code is initialized to an unvalidated state. The manufactured item is then supplied with this verification code hidden from view. The verification code may be exposed by a user and submitted to a validation service for validation for any number of occasions. In response to the validation service receiving the verification code for validation, the user is provided with an indicator of a current state of the verification code. A first successful validation of the verification code is then used as an event that triggers a state transition of the verification code from the unvalidated state to a validated state. | 02-05-2009 |
20090037205 | USING A SOFTWARE APPLICATION TO CONFIGURE A FOAM SPRING MATTRESS - An aspect of the present invention relates to a method and system of receiving information of a user's support facility comfort requirements; using a software application to determine a proper support facility firmness configuration to match the user's requirement; selecting foam springs with the proper user required firmness as determined by the software application; and configuring the selected foam springs within the support facility to match the user's firmness requirements. | 02-05-2009 |
20090037206 | Method of forecasting maintenance of a machine - A method of forecasting maintenance of a machine is disclosed. The method includes measuring a parameter of the machine, the parameter being indicative of a condition of the machine, and transferring the measured parameter to a maintenance planning system. The method also includes predicting two or more parameter variation curves indicating the variation of the parameter over time, each parameter variation curve representing values of the parameter at a different confidence level. The method further includes identifying a first time period for maintenance of the machine based on the two or more parameter variation curves. | 02-05-2009 |
20090037207 | Automated transfer of wireless provisioning parameters between existing and new devices - A method, computer program, apparatus and system that permits provisioning information and service account authorization on a wireless network to be transferred from an existing wireless device to a new wireless device by operation of the wireless devices. The method includes transferring provisioning information from the existing wireless device to the new wireless device; establishing a communication link with the wireless network; sending a service transfer request from the existing wireless device to the wireless network; and, in response to the transfer request, activating the new wireless device for service on the network. | 02-05-2009 |
20090037208 | Using a reason code to indicate a reason for a rating of a network interaction - Providing a reason code for a network interaction is disclosed. One or more data regarding a new incoming network interaction originated from a third party device over a network is received. A rating of the network interaction is determined based at least in part on the one or more data regarding the network interaction. A reason code is determined. The reason code indicates a reason for the rating. The reason code for the network interaction is provided. | 02-05-2009 |
20090037209 | Packaging Specification - An interface between a packaging system and a data storage device which stores a plurality of packaging specifications, for selecting at least one packaging specification out of the plurality of packaging specifications, the interface comprising a plurality of input parameters and at least one output parameter, wherein each input parameter receives a search key, and the interface triggers the selection of at least one packaging specification according to the received search key and the output parameter provides the at least one selected packaging specification. The selected packaging specifications are applied to several packaging systems, for example packaging machines. | 02-05-2009 |
20090037210 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR REAL TIME MONITORING OF DIGITAL CAMPAIGNS - A system method and apparatus for providing a presentation of a status and progress of a digital campaign to a user. Information pertaining to a plurality of digital campaigns may be obtained from a plurality of advertising or publishing objects. A plurality of delta parameters may be computed according to such information. A plurality of KPI parameters may be computed based on the delta parameters and may further be used to provide a graphical representation of various aspects pertaining to a plurality of digital campaigns. Other embodiments are described and claimed. | 02-05-2009 |
20090037211 | SYSTEM AND METHOD OF MANAGING COMMUNITY BASED AND CONTENT BASED INFORMATION NETWORKS - A system for storing, managing, and accessing information on a network by providing an interface between a social network and a content network includes an applications platform. The system provides messaging and social networking facility incorporating enhanced instant messaging, file synchronization, network presence, interactive chat capabilities, text messaging, voice and video messaging, blogging, and email. The system includes a viewer, an indexing facility, and a storage facility. The viewer enables users to traverse content and provides services based upon context of time, place, structure, node, and observed user behavior. The viewer provides a means for users to interact with information on the network and services to manipulate information and transact activities. The indexing facility manages the structure of the network and tracks attributes and controlled vocabularies. The indexing facility supports navigation across the structure and resolves the logical index to a physical storage location. The storage facility provides physical persistence for an information component. | 02-05-2009 |
20090037212 | AIR TRAVEL COORDINATION, COMMUNICATION AND DOCUMENTATION SYSTEM, METHOD AND COMPUTER PROGRAM - System and method for the coordination, communication and documentation of air travel, including design and instructions for a computer program that maintains and operates the system and method. | 02-05-2009 |
20090037213 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR IDENTIFYING USERS AND DETECTING FRAUD BY USE OF THE INTERNET - A method and system for detecting and preventing Internet fraud in online transactions by utilizing and analyzing a number of parameters to uniquely identify a computer user and potential fraudulent transaction through predictive modeling. The method and system uses a delta of time between the clock of the computer used by the actual fraudulent use and the potentially fraudulent user and the clock of the server computer in conjunction with personal information and/or non-personal information, preferably the Browser ID. | 02-05-2009 |
20090037214 | METHOD OF BUILDING AN INTERNAL DIGITAL LIBRARY OF ABSTRACTS AND PAPERS - Building an internal digital library for an organization includes accepting abstracts from members of the organization, the abstracts submitted for publication; performing internal review on the abstracts to approve or deny publication; storing approved abstracts in the internal digital library; and accepting papers corresponding to the abstracts and storing the papers in the internal digital library. The papers are stored regardless of whether they are approved for publication. Building the internal library further includes linking the abstracts to the corresponding papers; and making the abstracts accessible to members of the organization. A paper can be accessed from the internal library by following the link from its corresponding abstract. | 02-05-2009 |
20090043592 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR MANAGING PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT PROCESSES - Methods and systems for managing product development processes are provided. A computerized method for managing a process includes presenting to a user one or more templates based on a triggering event. Each template represents a process approach. The method also includes receiving from the user a selection of a particular template of the one or more templates. The method also includes creating a case from the particular template. The case includes multiple process topics associated with the particular template. | 02-12-2009 |
20090043593 | Event Prediction - There are many situations in which it is desired to predict outcomes of events. In an example, an event prediction system is described which receives variables for a proposed event. The system accesses learnt statistics describing belief about weights associated with the variables and uses the weights to determine probability information that the proposed event will have a specified outcome. The process involves combining the accessed statistics and mapping them into a number representing the probability. In another example, a machine learning process using assumed density filtering is used to learn the statistics from data about observed events. The event prediction system may be used as part of any suitable type of system such as an internet advertising system, an email filtering system, or a fraud detection system. | 02-12-2009 |
20090043594 | Method and system for shortage deduction processing - There is disclosed a method and system for automatically processing of shortage deduction transactions utilizing Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) for goods sold. A shortage deduction takes place, in connection with transactions involving one selling company and one buying company, when the buying company remits less than the pre-agreed rate citing reasons related to shipping or transportation issues for withholding part or all of the payment. The processing may include data matching and proactively tracing invoice transactions that are identified as shortage upon comparing the Electronic Product Code (EPC) information. If mismatch occurs during transportation a claim is filed with the freight company. If mismatch occurs after goods are received at the retailer's store(s) a declination will be issued. Deductions are also declined when EPC comparisons made on shipments that the deductions reference do not result in mismatch. | 02-12-2009 |
20090043595 | USING A SOFTWARE APPLICATION TO CONFIGURE A FOAM SPRING MATTRESS - An aspect of the present invention relates to a method and system of receiving information of a user's support facility comfort requirements; using a software application to determine a proper support facility firmness configuration to match the user's requirement; selecting foam springs with the proper user required firmness as determined by the software application; and configuring the selected foam springs within the support facility to match the user's firmness requirements. | 02-12-2009 |
20090043596 | Systems and methods for consolidated entitlement management - An embodiment relates generally to a method of managing entitlements. The method includes receiving an indication of at least one purchase of a product by a user and determining an entitlement history of the user. The method also includes determining a plurality of purchasing conditions based on the entitlement history state and the at least one purchase of the product and providing the plurality of purchasing conditions for a user to select. | 02-12-2009 |
20090043597 | System and method for matching objects using a cluster-dependent multi-armed bandit - An improved system and method for matching objects using a cluster-dependent multi-armed bandit is provided. The matching may be performed by using a multi-armed bandit where the arms of the bandit may be dependent. In an embodiment, a set of objects segmented into a plurality of clusters of dependent objects may be received, and then a two step policy may be employed by a multi-armed bandit by first running over clusters of arms to select a cluster, and then secondly picking a particular arm inside the selected cluster. The multi-armed bandit may exploit dependencies among the arms to efficiently support exploration of a large number of arms. Various embodiments may include policies for discounted rewards and policies for undiscounted reward. These policies may consider each cluster in isolation during processing, and consequently may dramatically reduce the size of a large state space for finding a solution. | 02-12-2009 |
20090043598 | Method and apparatus for information and document management - A telecommunications system includes a network; one or more user devices operably coupled to the network; one or more servers operably coupled to the network, the servers defining document storage locations; and a document management service including: a document address database configured to identify geographical locations associated with the document storage locations; a map display manager configured to cause a display to display a map of geographical locations associated with the document storage locations; and a geography manager configured to allow access to documents at locations defined by the document address database and displayed by the map display manager in association with a particular geographical location. | 02-12-2009 |
20090043599 | Associations of polymorphisms in the fibroblast growth factor 8 (FGF8) and its haplotypes with carcass quality, growth and feed efficiency in beef cattle - The physiological regulation of intake, growth and energy partitioning in animals is under the control of multiple genes, which may be important candidates for unraveling the genetic variation in economically relevant traits in beef production. The present invention relates to the identification of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) within the bovine gene encoding fibroblast growth factor 8 (“FGF8”) and their associations with economically relevant traits in beef production. The invention further encompasses methods and systems, including network-based processes, to manage the SNP data and other data relating to specific animals and herds of animals, veterinarian care, diagnostic and quality control data and management of livestock which, based on genotyping, have predictable meat quality traits, husbandry conditions, animal welfare, food safety information, audit of existing processes and data from field locations. | 02-12-2009 |
20090043600 | Video Enhanced electronic application - Disclosed is a method and system for providing a video recording, live video, slides, pictures, animation, or the like, of an applicant's personal statement or other additional information by way of an electronic link embedded within an applicant's electronic application, thus allowing submission and review of the application by an application reviewer without the difficulties associated with submitting a separate video tape recording, and without complicating the electronic application creation, submission, and review process. | 02-12-2009 |
20090043601 | Repair Procedure Development System - A repair procedure development system is disclosed that may allow for an organized, automated decision making approach to repairs. Some embodiments use four categories and sub-categories of component, subcomponent, discrepancy, and repair, although other categories and numbers of categories may be used. The repair procedure development system may use a decision analysis tree to cycle through all possible permutations in the categories, and may therefore generate all possible discrepancies and repairs for particular hardware elements. In addition, the repair procedure development system may use a repair matrix to define the steps and sequences that are needed to perform any repair defined in the decision tree, with the option to select specific steps from multivariable steps. The repair procedure development system may capture knowledge data from one or more technical groups and may help merge specification requirements with repair procedures. The repair procedure development system may be transferable to other engineering groups. The repair procedure development system may allow an engineer to spend more time on the floor working issues, to interact more among technical disciplines, and to play a more proactive role in processing, while increasing technical accuracy and safety by reducing errors and communication disconnects. | 02-12-2009 |
20090043602 | METHOD FOR INCREASING THE AWARENESS AND EXPOSURE OF A BRAND - A method for increasing the awareness and exposure of a brand including providing a plurality of competitive activities each capable of ascertaining a winner from among entrants, each competitive activity providing a contest utilizing a contest product, providing a sponsor having a brand-name product, selecting from the plurality of competitive activities one or more competitive activities where the brand-name product is related to the contest product, providing advertising opportunities to the sponsor associated with the competitive activity, inviting a plurality of entrants to compete in the competitive activity, and ascertaining a winner from among entrants by conducting the competitive activity. The competitive activities may include performing a task related to a trade, and the brand-name product may be associated with the trade. The brand-name product may be used in the competitive activity. | 02-12-2009 |
20090043603 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT SERVICES - Systems and methods are operable to value commercial properties. An exemplary embodiment identifies a type of commercial property based on an identified commercial property, the identified type of commercial property selected from a list of property types, retrieves a plurality of objective valuation parameters and subjective valuation parameters pertaining to the identified type of commercial property, retrieves at least one valuation parameter for the identified commercial property, and values the identified commercial property based upon the at least one valuation parameter for the identified commercial property and based upon the plurality of objective valuation parameters and subjective valuation parameters pertaining to the identified type of commercial property. | 02-12-2009 |
20090043604 | Disposition of component virtual property rights - A method and system provides transactions and arrangements in virtual world environments. A user can participate in transactions to acquire virtual property and related virtual rights. In some implementations, real-world and virtual parties can be involved in possible transfers of various types of virtual property and virtual property rights. | 02-12-2009 |
20090048853 | PERMISSION BASED FIELD SERVICE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM - The embodiments of herein provide a permission based field service management system and method for field services using a permission slip. A technician allotted to perform a field service is authenticated by a client/server software system and provided with a work list. When the technician accepts a work list, a permission slip corresponding to a specific device is entered in a service key inserted by the technician into a client. Then the service key is removed and inserted into a specific device to execute a field service operation. After the completion of the field service operation, the permission slip is closed and a service log is created and stored on a service database. An auditing system accesses the service data to track and monitor the service operation. | 02-19-2009 |
20090048854 | TRIP IDENTIFICATION AND RECORDING SYSTEMS - Recording devices and methods are disclosed that allow a user to make a voice recording in association with a trip, such as a business trip driven in an automobile, while providing trip-specific control functionality of the recording. The current location of the user, corresponding in some embodiments to the location of the vehicle, is determined by a GPS sensor. The device may be operated on and off to record particular trips, for example business trips, that may also depend upon the further requirements of the user. Voice recording is also provided for recording and storing messages of the user that may relate to the trip. In some embodiments software is provided for loading upon a computer for communication of trip information and voice recording to a computer. The device may be powered by power adapters or other devices designed to provide mobile power to electronic devices, such as power adapters for inside a vehicle, or in some embodiments via USB connection to a device. The invention may be operated in various modes, recording all trip information or only selected trip information as well as voice recording. Once downloaded the trip information may be displayed with links to the voice recording, as well as other trip specific information such as internet links to maps, and text may be added to further describe trip information. In some embodiments, the invention is a media device providing for USB connectivity and may further be configured in a key format. Other functions and features are disclosed. Methods such as those corresponding to the devices are also disclosed, as are devices corresponding to the methods, as well as methods of doing business. | 02-19-2009 |
20090048855 | Distribution System for Data of a Service - A distribution system for providing data of at least one service between a first network unit and at least one second network unit over a communication network includes a receiver unit and a transmitter unit in the first network unit, and a processing unit in the first network unit. The processing unit is configured to compare a request to provide data of at least one service by the at least one second network unit with at least one stored policy, and to transmit the requested data of at least one service as a function of the comparison result to the at least one second network unit. The system includes further at least one memory unit configured to store the at least one policy and the data of a service. | 02-19-2009 |
20090048856 | System and method for managing vendor information of vendors that repair deficiencies at facilities - A system and method for managing vendor information to repair deficiencies at facilities may include storing vendor information of vendors. The vendor information may identify one or more deficiencies of which at least one of the vendors is capable of repairing. Site audit information of one or more facilities may be aggregated. Vendor information of one or more vendors capable of repairing a deficiency at the facilities may be displayed to enable selection of one or more vendors for repairing the deficiency at a facility. | 02-19-2009 |
20090048857 | Method and apparatus for a rule development process for inducement prizes - A method and apparatus for a rule development process for inducement prizes is presented. The rule development process comprises a number of sub-process threads allowing for the authoring, review, preview, approval and presentation of rules setting parameters for successful claiming of the inducement prize. The process also allows for sub-process threads for contributing to, submitting to, verification of, merger of, voting for, and revision of the inducement prize as well as the appointment of a prize administrator. The Inducement Prize Rule Development Process allows rules to be authored for the sake of creating a goal for claiming of a prize. | 02-19-2009 |
20090048858 | Integration Settlement Analyzing Methods of Value Added Service - Value added service integrated settlement methods: (1) Firstly setup the transaction model of the integration settlement, that is put the settlement participants as the attribute main body of interface layer: provide data interaction between the inside and the outside of the system; service logical layer: complete the data collection, pretreatment, rule generation application, settlement process operation and settlement result management during the settlement process; data layer: data store based on database technology. (2) The settlement functions of the whole value added services are divided into different settlement processes, according to different models of service operation, different service process various types (short message, downloading, and movies), and different billing elements and settlement references. The same participants will take part in several services. The settlement elements will be put into different settlement processes. The settlement results of different settlement processes will be collected together according to settlement participants to generate the final settlement results. (3) Except the basic service of core settlement operation is adoption loosing coupling settlement operation, all the services relevant calculation processes of settlement are put into independent settlement process. | 02-19-2009 |
20090048859 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR SALES LEAD RANKING BASED ON ASSESSMENT OF INTERNET BEHAVIOR - Methods and systems are presented for assessing sales leads obtained through a lead generation product. One exemplary method comprises receiving consumer information from a potential consumer via a lead generation product; receiving activity information about the potential consumer's interaction with the lead generation product; using the received consumer information and received activity information to develop one or more category scores; and developing a sales lead quality score from the one or more category scores. | 02-19-2009 |
20090048860 | PROVIDING A RATING FOR DIGITAL MEDIA BASED ON REVIEWS AND CUSTOMER BEHAVIOR - Automatically determining pricing for at least one unit of content that can be selected and licensed or purchased over a network. Pricing is determined based on an initial price, and at least one of the following: a reviewer rating, content activity, or a customer offer price. Each of these factors may be weighted. The initial price may be a minimum price, a maximum price, a suggested price from a content owner, a pre-calculated market price, or other initial price. Content activity generally reflects user behaviors related to a content item, such as selecting a content item from a search results list, saving it as a favorite, returning to view it, placing it in a virtual shopping cart, or licensing it. Content activity combined with reviewer rating and/or offer price, indicates a “snappyness” score. A new price is dynamically calculated based on the initial price and snappyness score. | 02-19-2009 |
20090048861 | Retail center for designing and laser engraving simultaneously different sized products at varying locations on the products - A retail outlet for designing and producing laser engraved products. | 02-19-2009 |
20090048862 | DATA VISUALIZATION SYSTEM AND METHOD - The invention provides a data visualisation system comprising a data value memory in which is maintained a finite set of data values and display means arranged to display a contoured representation. One or more of the data values are displayed as contours around one or more data points and each data value is centred on a data point. The invention also provides a method of data visualisation and a data visualisation computer program. | 02-19-2009 |
20090055199 | Customer Recommendation System - A system for generating for a client at least one indication of a food product to be purchased, the system comprising: data entry means for entering at least one product reference associated with a purchased product; first storage means for storing said at least one product reference in association with an identifier; second storage means for storing a plurality of product references in association with respective food values; third storage means for holding a recommended total food value; terminal means coupled to the first storage means for receiving the identifier; a recommendation unit for comparing the food value of the purchased product with said recommended total food value, said recommendation unit being arranged to select from said plurality of product references at least one product based on the result of said comparison, whereby said indication is generated for the client. | 02-26-2009 |
20090055200 | IDENTIFYING AND VALIDATING FACTORS THAT HAVE PARTICULAR EFFECTS ON USER BEHAVIOR - Techniques are described herein for an automatic discovery and validation analyzer that identifies factors that have a particular effect on members of a population in engaging in certain activities. A baseline set and a divergent set of members of the population are identified based on whether a member has experienced a significant change in magnitude of the particular effect during a particular period of time. Differences in behaviors of members of the baseline and divergent sets are then analyzed to identify a candidate factor that corresponds to exposure to an item. Such a candidate factor is then validated as to whether it is a cause of said significant change in magnitude of the particular effect experienced by the divergent set of members. | 02-26-2009 |
20090055201 | Virtual Reality Location Information System - A virtual reality location information system for touring various attractions through the Internet. The virtual reality location information system includes providing a host site, providing a first virtual business to represent a first actual business upon the host site, wherein the first virtual business mimics an appearance of the first actual business, providing a virtual city to represent an actual city upon the host site, wherein the virtual city mimics an appearance of the actual city, wherein the first virtual business is within the virtual city and providing at least one user. The user accesses the host site and creates a virtual member to mimic an appearance of the user. The user may then selectively navigate the virtual member through the first virtual business and tour the first virtual business. | 02-26-2009 |
20090055202 | FRAMEWORK FOR DEVELOPMENT OF INTEGRATION ADAPTERS THAT SURFACE NON-STATIC, TYPE-SAFE SERVICE CONTRACTS TO LOB SYSTEMS - The claimed subject matter provides a system and/or a method that facilitates integrating two or more applications for secure sharing of data. A line of business (LOB) system can include a portion of metadata associated with a business application. An adapter can employ a dynamic service contract to the LOB system, wherein the service contract is a fluid contract constructed in real time from a portion of metadata selected within the LOB system. Moreover, the adapter can enable a client to access the portion of metadata selected via the service contract. | 02-26-2009 |
20090055203 | METHOD, PROGRAM CODE, AND SYSTEM FOR BUSINESS PROCESS ANALYSIS - Program code ( | 02-26-2009 |
20090055204 | REAL-TIME PLAYER TRACKING - Some implementations of the invention provide methods, devices and systems for acquiring patron data in real time. A plurality of networked cameras may be used to acquire information regarding casino patrons. The cameras may include “smart cameras” having an integrated machine vision system. The real-time information may be used to populate one or more databases of a player loyalty program. Patron information may also be used to determine trends associated with patron demographics, with levels of a player loyalty program, etc. Some implementations of the invention involve monitoring patron event data and determining when predetermined events of interest occur. When a defined event occurs, patron data relating to the associated patron may be monitored, analyzed and used to populate one or more player loyalty databases. In some implementations, patron data acquired prior to the time of the defined event may also be analyzed and used. | 02-26-2009 |
20090055205 | MULTIMEDIA PLAYER TRACKING INFRASTRUCTURE - Some implementations of the invention provide methods, devices and systems for acquiring patron data in real time. A plurality of networked cameras may be used to acquire information regarding casino patrons. The cameras may include “smart cameras” having an integrated machine vision system. The real-time information may be used to populate one or more databases of a player loyalty program. Patron information may also be used to determine trends associated with patron demographics, with levels of a player loyalty program, etc. Some implementations of the invention involve monitoring patron event data and determining when predetermined events of interest occur. When a defined event occurs, patron data relating to the associated patron may be monitored, analyzed and used to populate one or more player loyalty databases. In some implementations, patron data acquired prior to the time of the defined event may also be analyzed and used. | 02-26-2009 |
20090055206 | Method and system for performing address resolution processing - A process for resolving addresses to obtain mailing discounts from a postal authority by using an address resolver, including at least one database that is not approved by the postal authority, to resolve a first type of failure, and using a point resolver to resolve a second type of failure. | 02-26-2009 |
20090055207 | Interactive bridal planner - An interactive wedding planner incorporates a number of interactive tabs to keep track of schedules, guest lists, budgets, vendor information, publications and personal notes. It also has the ability to allow communication between users and provides e-mail support. The planner provides a modular general plan complete with deadlines and estimates costs. The user personalizes the general plan to create a personal plan which guides the user through the process. Ongoing actual data is provided to the system to provide reminders and reports of how the user is doing compared to their personal plan. The planner also keeps track of responses of people attending and extrapolates the total number of people attending. It then performs calculations based upon the extrapolated total number attending. | 02-26-2009 |
20090055208 | System and method for web-based customer check-in - A web-based system and method allows customers to remotely check-in to a wait list for a service from a business. A website associated with the business is provided through which an address submitted by the customer can be received. Multiple locations of the business in the vicinity of the address and wait times for the service at each location can then be geographically displayed. A selection by the customer of a location at which to receive the service can be received and the customer can then be placed on a waiting list for the selected location. The multiple locations can be displayed on a map showing the relative proximity of the address and the locations and driving directions from the address to the selected location can be provided. The wait times can be calculated using historical data related to the performance of the service at each location, such as the amount of time that employees at the location have taken to perform the service in the past. | 02-26-2009 |
20090055209 | Second site control of article transport processing - In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a system and methodology for sorting and/or distributing items and articles being shipped to a receiving party through private and/or commercial delivery systems. Various characteristics of an article being shipped are obtained and assembled in a database. In an exemplary embodiment, the descriptive characteristics of the article are acquired at a first site and the processing and desired disposition of the article is determined at a second site which is physically separate from the first site. The descriptive characteristics of the article being shipped are displayed at the second site and are sufficient to identify the article to a processing individual located at the second site. The processing individual is then enabled to indicate a desired disposal of the article from the second site without being exposed to the physical article located at the first site. In an exemplary embodiment, the descriptive characteristics of the article may include one or more images of the article along with various other descriptive physical characteristics of the article such as the size and weight of the article. In one example, the processing individual is enabled to authorize the opening of an article in which case, descriptive characteristics of the contents of the article are acquired at the first site and displayed to the processing individual at the second site for use in determining an appropriate disposition of the article. | 02-26-2009 |
20090055210 | ADVICE APPARATUS, ADVICE METHOD, ADVICE PROGRAM AND COMPUTER READABLE RECORDING MEDIUM STORING THE ADVICE PROGRAM - The present invention provides advice suitable to the personality of a user. | 02-26-2009 |
20090055211 | Genetic variation in pro-melanin-concentrating hormone gene affects carcass traits in cattle - An A-to-T single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) identified at position −134 relative to the ATG start codon, in the Pro-Melanin-Concentrating Hormone (PMCH) gene of | 02-26-2009 |
20090055212 | RECORDING MEDIUM IN WHICH DELEGATION MEDIATING PROGRAM IS RECORDED, DELEGATION MEDIATING APPARATUS AND DELEGATION MEDIATING METHOD - A delegation mediating apparatus which presents a voter who wants to collect delegations to another voter who is looking for a delegatee, in a decision to be made by voting by multiple voters, the apparatus including, voting history storage unit for storing each voter's past voting history in a voting history storage unit, similarity degree calculation unit for calculating a degree of voting action similarity between the voter who wants to collect delegations and the other voter who is looking for a delegatee, with the use of the past voting history stored in the voting history storage unit, and delegatee presentation unit for presenting the voter who wants to collect delegations if the degree of similarity to the other voter who is looking for a delegatee is high, to the other voter who is looking for a delegatee. | 02-26-2009 |
20090055213 | Contents billing system, contents acquiring apparatus, contents acquiring method and program therefor and contents providing apparatus, contents providing method and program therefor - A contents billing system is disclosed. In the system, billing rate information for contents requested by a first user of a first terminal by calling is transmitted to the first terminal through a connection management server based on an instruction by a second user of a second terminal; the first terminal receives billing rate information and transmits agreement information according to an agreement operation on the billing rate by the first user to the second terminal through the connection management server; the connection management server notifies a billing server of the billing rate according to the agreement information and transmits the agreement information to the second terminal; the second terminal receives the agreement information, transmits recording permission information for the contents to the first terminal through the connection management server and transmits the contents to the first terminal; and the first terminal receives the recording permission information and acquires the selected contents from the second terminal. | 02-26-2009 |
20090063166 | Product Distribution Methods and Apparatus | 03-05-2009 |
20090063167 | HOTEL RATE ANALYTIC SYSTEM - A hotel deal system provides an observation store with observations that identify a hotel, a stay, a room type, a room rate, and observation date. The hotel deal system receives a request for rate information for a desired hotel for a desired stay. The hotel deal system retrieves current room rate information for the desired hotel for the desired stay. The hotel deal system then analyzes the observations of the observation store to identify a deal rating for the desired hotel for the desired stay at the current room rate. | 03-05-2009 |
20090063168 | CONDUCTING MARKETING ACTIVITY IN RELATION TO A VIRTUAL WORLD BASED ON MONITORED VIRTUAL WORLD ACTIVITY - A method, system and computer program product for conducting a marketing activity are disclosed. An activity of an avatar in a virtual world is monitored and a key word is extracted from the monitored activity. A marketing activity is determined based on the extracted key word. | 03-05-2009 |
20090063169 | Extending Industry Certifications to an Uncertified Party - A certified party can assist an uncertified party to gain access to a business requiring certification. The uncertified party requests that certification be extended by the certified party over a product made by the uncertified party. The certified party, certifying body and/or notified body evaluates the quality systems, procedures and production facilities of the uncertified party to determine if they satisfy the certification requirements. Many components of the product requiring certification are provided by the certified party to the uncertified party. Optionally, uncertified components for the product may be provided by the certified party or a third party. The uncertified party uses the components to manufacture the product. Product documentation is provided to the notified body. The notified body evaluates the documentation and conducts an investigation into the product. Upon receipt of certification, the uncertified party may mark the product with a certification mark. | 03-05-2009 |
20090063170 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS INVOLVING BUSINESS PROCESS MANAGEMENT - A method for conducting business process parametric optimization, the method comprising generating a first set of cases in a business model, wherein the first set of cases represents all of the paths in the business model, generating a first set of parameters associated with the first set of cases of the business model, displaying the generated first set of cases, selecting a case from the first set of cases for optimization and simulation, generating a second set of parameters associated with the selected case, displaying the second set of parameters, simulating the selected case with the first set of parameters and the second set of parameters with a business process model simulator, and displaying resultant data from the business process model simulation of the selected case with the first set of parameters and the second set of parameters. | 03-05-2009 |
20090063171 | Transformational Method - Business processes are transformed into a solution having a portal for a service-oriented architecture. A plan for the transformation is created, including a portal implementation roadmap. | 03-05-2009 |
20090063172 | VIRTUAL VEHICLE SYSTEM - A system for providing vehicle part information includes a build configuration module that provides delta information that indicates a change in build configurations for vehicles. The build configuration indicates vehicle parts that were used at specific manufacturing plants on the vehicles during a time period. A build data module includes vehicle identification information that indicates predetermined build parameters for the vehicles. A display control module includes a database that combines the delta information and the vehicle identification information in a matrix and that stores the matrix. | 03-05-2009 |
20090063173 | Subject Matter Management System 'SMMS' - An subject matter management system includes InFoDoc records adapted to be formed in a multitude of formats; a InFoDoc file to accept the InFoDoc records, Followup messages based on an InFoDoc record to be stored in a Followup file and a hierarchical system of access control to manage the integrity of the records. | 03-05-2009 |
20090063174 | Optimized Wireless Network Coverage - A system and method for optimizing wireless network coverage. A system and method in accordance with the present invention for optimizing a wireless network are disclosed. In one embodiment, the system includes a telematics device that collects location, time, and speed information from a Global Positioning System module. The location, time, and speed information is used as insurance journey data. The telematics device also collects network quality data from a wireless network module (e.g. Global System for Mobile Communications). The telematics device sends the insurance journey data and network quality data to a telematics server to be forwarded to an insurance company server and a network operator server. | 03-05-2009 |
20090063175 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR PROVIDING MULTIPLE SUPPORT OPTIONS - An embodiment relates to a method of providing support. The method includes receiving a request for technical support. The request comprises a description of the support sought and types of support sought. The method further includes determining the types of support available based on the request and generating a list of the available types of support. The list includes a link to initiate the available types of support. The method further includes providing the list to a user requesting the support. | 03-05-2009 |
20090063176 | SHOPPING CART BASKET MONITOR - A system prevents non-payment for goods carried through a checkout aisle in a shopping cart. In the system, a scale determines the end-weight of the cart after all goods are presumably removed. Further, a controller compares the end-weight and the tare weight of the cart. When theft is suspected, a camera captures an image of the cart while an indicator at the checkout location alerts the cashier to inspect the cart for unremoved goods. Specifically, the controller creates a signal when the end-weight exceeds the tare weight to instruct the camera to capture the image and to activate the indicator to alert the cashier. The controller may include or be integrated into a network accessible by store management or outside security advisors to examine the performance of cashiers and to determine possible patterns or profiles for theft. | 03-05-2009 |
20090063177 | Web-based services enabling structured secure communication related to the design and management of projects - A suite of Web-based services that facilitate design review and checking by enabling the secure structured information exchange of design and related information among authorized business partners and designers in the context of specific business processes. Select embodiments have particular application to those partners, including government agencies, associated with government contracts for construction. A select embodiment, Project ExtraNet (ProjNet | 03-05-2009 |
20090063178 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR A MOBILE, COMMUNITY-BASED USER INTERFACE - Systems and methods for providing a mobile desktop user interface for accessing and using community-based contact management, communication tools, websites and application pods in a convenient and integrated fashion via an online operating system. In one aspect, the mobile desktop application is accessed via a user's browser and provides access to the aforementioned community-based services in a convenient, integrated manner. The mobile desktop application can link social content, e.g., social networking sites, content, e.g., widgets made available on social networking sites, and billing mechanisms, all while maintaining seamless interoperability with desktop applications. | 03-05-2009 |
20090063179 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CUSTOMIZING USER INTERFACES OF ELECTRONIC DEVICES - An exemplary method for customizing user interfaces of electronic devices includes steps of: receiving a request for customizing a user interface from a terminal device; acquiring configuration data on a current user interface of the terminal device; analyzing the configuration data; adjusting functional groups; programming a customized user interface software; programming an installation software for installing the customized user interface software; packing the customized user interface software and the installation software in a software package; uploading the software package to a designated location; downloading the software package to the terminal device; and installing the customized user interface software in the terminal device by executing the installation software. | 03-05-2009 |
20090063180 | METHOD TO ORGANIZE NATIONWIDE SPORTING EVENTS - A method to administer a sporting event sponsored by an Association, wherein the Association conducts a tournament and establishes a time period for the tournament. The method supplies a plurality of equipment items approved by the Association, wherein each equipment item recites a unique identifier and an Association trademark. An Association member enters the tournament by proffering at a tournament site an equipment item comprising an Association trademark. An Association member generates a score, that score is verified by an Association-approved referee, and the score is provided to the Association. | 03-05-2009 |
20090063181 | Facility management system and control method of facility management system - A facility management system and a control method thereof are provided. The system comprises: a plurality of facilities; and a remote controller connected to the facilities via a network and controlling operation settings of the plurality of facilities, wherein, when user authentication is performed, the remote controller implements a display screen based on the facility managed by the user among the plurality of facilities. Accordingly, facilities which a user can manage on the display screen are obvious, thus enabling the user to easily control the facilities by the remote controller. Further, the facilities over which the user does not have the managerial authority cannot be manipulated, thus improving the management stability of the facilities. | 03-05-2009 |
20090063182 | Method and apparatus for reconnecting individuals via a visual signal - The present invention provides a system for reconnecting individuals via a visual signal. The visual signal is used by a certain individual to indicate to another individual of interest to correspond with them at a certain pre-determined destination such as a business location or on-line via a computer network, such as the Internet or a destination website. Sending a visual signal to another individual indicates that a certain individual is interested in corresponding with the other individual for dating, friendship, or other social or professional networking. | 03-05-2009 |
20090070121 | System, Method And Graphical User Interface For Workflow Generation, Deployment And/Or Execution - A method, system and graphical user interface for generating, deploying and/or executing one or more workflows are provided. The method includes forming, from information associated with a graphical representation of a workflow, a record for facilitating an execution of the workflow, dispatching the record to facilitate an execution of the workflow; and issuing, from the graphical-user interface, an instruction to cause execution of the workflow. To facilitate deploying the workflow, the method may, optionally, issue an instruction to cause a generation of executable instructions for executing the workflow. | 03-12-2009 |
20090070122 | ESCROW SERVICE FOR PROVIDING LICENSED DIGITAL CONTENT - Physical media containing digital content can be exchanged for a license to download an electronic copy of the digital content. In an implementation, the physical media is received at a kiosk and secured such that it is not accessible to the user after the license is granted. The license provides the user with rights to download the digital content to a personal computer, set-top box, gaming device, portable video player or portable image viewer having digital rights enforcement. | 03-12-2009 |
20090070123 | FINANCIAL DECISION AID FOR 4-D NAVIGATION - A method for facilitating a financial decision for 4-dimensional navigation of a vehicle includes receiving navigation information for the vehicle. A current location of the vehicle is determined. Data associated with at least one predetermined location of a plurality of predetermined locations is retrieved. A range of costs for said vehicle, representative of the at least one predetermined arrival time for the at least one predetermined location, is estimated. The range of costs is associated with a minimum value of the navigational information and a maximum value of the navigational information. An indicator representative of at least one cost of the range of costs is displayed. | 03-12-2009 |
20090070124 | Method - The method of and process of building businesses and doing business creations, etc. and the development of any and all ideas, goods and services that can be thought of and created by the human mind and can serve a purpose can be protected under the identify or name such as, for example, Future. Then market these in all marketing sectors, so forth, in building new products and services under the name Future and not limited to the name Future. | 03-12-2009 |
20090070125 | Updating of an electronic periodical - An electronic periodical includes at least one object its content has at least one updatable segment. Updating is accomplished by substituting a content of a segment of an object stored in a database of objects associated with the currently publicized edition being ready for publishing. Updating rate is higher than the rate in which two successive editions of the periodical are publicized. A subscribing service in which: a. subscribers are eligible to update a selected content of a specified object of a currently publicized edition of the electronic periodical; b. subscribers are notified regarding such intermediate updates, is provided. | 03-12-2009 |
20090070126 | System and method for facilitating online employment opportunities between employers and job seekers - A system and method for facilitating access to online employment opportunities between employers and job seekers, wherein the system will rank both job seekers and employers based on a predetermined points schedule, and wherein the system will automatically match job seekers with job listings, and employers with job seekers, and finally wherein employers will purchase contact information for job seekers they are interested for a system-determined price based on job seeker's rank within the system. | 03-12-2009 |
20090070127 | Method and apparatus for network-based mobile device coordination - A system and method for network-based coordination of a plurality of devices using precise timing methods is provided. The method includes registering a device for an event that utilizes precise timing. The method continues with identifying a list of devices that will participate in the event, downloading a set of tools that enable the devices to perform the event, and initiating the event for the list of devices coordinated by precise timing. The system for network-based precision includes a timing source that provides precise timing for the devices, a subscription handler that organizes the devices and event application server that provides a list of registered subscribers and initiates the group event. The method and system disclosed may be used to coordinate mobile devices for collecting data and/or provide coordination for mobile devices to display video and play audio in a group coordinated manner. | 03-12-2009 |
20090070128 | Community-based community project content creation system and method - A method and system of community-based project content creation are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method includes generating user profiles, associating first user with a first user profile, generating project profiles, each project profile associated with at least one user profile, associating the first user with a first project profile, designating a privilege level associated with a second user profile, and generating as online project collaboration between the first project profile and the second user profile based on the privilege level. The method may also include generating community building activities. The method may also include personalizing the first user profile. The method may further include generating a search associated with the user profiles and/or the project profiles. In addition, the method may include generating a post-publishing activity associated. | 03-12-2009 |
20090070129 | Customer Discovery and Identification System and Method - A customer targeting tool for identifying and targeting potential customers on a network. The customer targeting tool comprises an discovery unit for analyzing customer data regarding customer reaction to previous promotion activity. The reactions being positive or negative and the analysis identify groupings from customers differentiated by the reactions. The customer targeting tool further comprises a targeting unit, associated with the discovery unit, and configured to target customers belonging to groups discovered from customers showing positive reactions. | 03-12-2009 |
20090070130 | REPUTATION SCORING - In one example embodiment, a system and method is shown that includes receiving a feedback score relating to a transaction engaged in by a user. The system and method also includes applying a weight to the feedback score based on weighting criteria to create a weighted feedback score. Further, generating a reputation score for the user based on the weighted feedback score may also be implemented. In an additional example embodiment, the system and method includes identifying a reputation score relating at least one neighbor of a user, the at least one neighbor of the user including another user with whom the user has engaged in a transaction. Further, the system and method includes ordering the reputation score relating to at least one neighbor of the user to create an ordered reputation score. Moreover, the system and method includes displaying the ordered reputation score. | 03-12-2009 |
20090070131 | STANDARDIZED URBAN PRODUCT - A mesh-sheet standardized block module includes a standardized house module, an animal/plant type house artistic module, or other building, and a mesh-sheet standardized block underground space module. The mesh-sheet standardized block module further includes a net-like standardized road/bridge module and a net-like standardized canal module, and may be replicated and assembled to form a standardized urban product with a required scale. The standardized urban product has a scientific layout, appropriate function, fresh air, exquisite landscape, and fluent traffic. Moreover, due to its high efficiency and low cost, the standardized urban product has significant economic benefits, and may create a profit of 20,000 billion US dollars, and provide plenty of jobs. In addition the criteria and methods for manufacturing a standardized urban product with no traffic jam, but exquisite environment, low price, and commodity house markets in various prices are provided through technical schemes for countries with water sources such as China, the USA, India, and Nigeria. | 03-12-2009 |
20090070132 | HUMAN RELATIONSHIPS REGISTERING SYSTEM, METHOD AND DEVICE FOR REGISTERING HUMAN RELATIONSHIPS, PROGRAM FOR REGISTERING HUMAN RELATIONSHIPS, AND MEDIUM STORING HUMAN RELATIONSHIPS REGISTERING PROGRAM AND READABLE BY COMPUTER - To provide a human relationships registering system, a method and a server for registering human relationships, a program for registering human relationships, and a medium storing human relationships registering program and readable by a computer, all of which are used to establish wide and close relationships with members having a variety of occupations or engaged in various technical fields and to obtain expert knowledge or information. The human relationships registering system comprises first data processing units | 03-12-2009 |
20090070133 | System and Method for Providing a Near Matches Feature in a Network Environment - An apparatus for providing a feature in a network environment is provided that includes a central website operable to interface with one or more end users and to manage information related to one or more of the end users. One or more searches are conducted for one or more of the end users, and one or more attributes previously determined by a selected one of the end users are varied to offer one or more additional matches to the selected end user, and the additional matches are different from matches offered to the selected end user based on the previously determined attributes. In more specific embodiments, the central website offers the additional matches based on a number of current matches being served to the selected end user. | 03-12-2009 |
20090076831 | ONLINE AUCTION PROPAGATION - It has been discovered that instances of an item to be sold in online auctions may be linked to an already created online auction listing for the item. The associating propagates the online auction listing to these other item instances. The propagating allows junior bidders (i.e., losing bidders) to continue pursuing purchase of the associated item instances and allows the junior sellers of the associated item instances to leverage the information of the online auction listing. | 03-19-2009 |
20090076832 | INMATE PRIVILEGE KIOSK METHODS, SYSTEMS AND USER INTERFACE - A method of administrating inmate privileges in a correctional facility using a computer kiosk is provided. The method includes accepting data and information corresponding to inmate privileges for an inmate population, the data and information including restrictions on the inmate privileges. The method also includes accepting requests for privileges by an inmate, applying the restrictions to the accepted requests, and visually presenting information to the inmate regarding accepted requests. | 03-19-2009 |
20090076833 | Management and Control Electronic System Particularly for Checking Articles Provided With an Identification Code - An electronic management and check system is described, wherein a central system comprises a data storage system adapted to electronically store item codes used for identifying an item in an unambiguous way, as well as data processing means adapted to interrogate said data storage system and to interface with external communication systems. The invention is characterized in that said data storage system comprises memory areas containing position codes adapted to identify in an unambiguous way a position of said item, and in that said data processing means are adapted to receive a data string being organized in such a way as to separately identify an item code and a position code as well as to perform a comparison between the codes contained in said data string and the codes contained in said storage system. | 03-19-2009 |
20090076834 | Systems and methods for generating personalized dynamic presentations from non-personalized presentation structures and contents - A computer system for generating a dynamic presentation comprises:
| 03-19-2009 |
20090076835 | Customer service communication system and method - An improved customer service communication system and method, the preferred embodiment utilizing a vehicle's G.P.S. system to communicate via digital or cellular link with a variety of web-based, private, computer or call center networks to access or schedule maintenance for his or her vehicle, maintain said vehicle's service history, download or upload key vehicle operation and maintenance parameters and receive other information of interest, either vehicle directed, personal or of commercial interest, all with the flexibility of being able to access vehicle service also when traveling. | 03-19-2009 |
20090076836 | SYSTEMS, METHODS, SOFTWARE AND INTERFACES FOR REPORTING RESULTS DERIVED FROM JURY VERDICT SUMMARY CONTENT, COURT DOCUMENTS AND OTHER ANALYTICAL AND LITIGATION MATERIALS - The present inventors devised, among other things, an online legal research system that allows users to generate a report interface that not only summarizes key pieces of information, such as verdict information, but also enables access to related trending and statistical information as well as additional litigation, analytical, and expert materials. The exemplary system generates a dynamic verdict report based on parameters selected from a query-definition template having an embedded taxonomy. | 03-19-2009 |
20090076837 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PRODUCT DEFINITION - A system, method, and computer program for defining products, comprising creating a platform definition; reusing the platform definition in a plurality of product configurations; and delivering the plurality of product configurations to at least one program; whereby the platform definition is not modified and appropriate means and computer-readable instructions. | 03-19-2009 |
20090076838 | SHOPPING AND APPROVAL PROCESS - An electronic requisition processing method and system are disclosed. The method comprises the steps of preparing an electronic requisition including a requisition proposal; establishing an electronic list of approvers for the requisition; and at defined times, electronically recalculating the list. Preferably, this list is recalculated after each of at least some of the approvers act on the requisition; and the list is recalculated according to a given set of rules. Also, in the preferred system, the approval process is synchronous, whereby upon submission of the requisition, the requisition is immediately available for approval. Additionally, preferably, when each approver approves, the list is dynamically recalculated to take into account the availability of approvers further down in the list. | 03-19-2009 |
20090083048 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING AN APPLICATION SERVICE - Systems and methods for providing an efficient application service is provided. The systems and methods may include one or more hardware and/or software modules that may receive one or more application datasets from an applicant to forward to one or more of a plurality of application recipients. One or more third parties (such as high school guidance counselors, employment service counselors, and other third parties) may help mediate the process by acting on behalf of the applicant and/or on behalf of the one or more of a plurality of application recipients. The application service may also issue to the applicant one or more tokens that may be assigned by the applicant to the one or more of a plurality of application recipients. The one or more tokens may indicate a level of interest by the applicant in the one or more of a plurality of application recipients. The application service may also send sampler applications, or portions of an application including at least one of the one or more datasets, to one or more of a plurality of application recipients, including application recipients that do not have a pre-existing business relationship with the application service. Using certain aspects of the invention, the applicant may more efficiently submit applications using a single point of entry. Furthermore, application recipients may increase the proportion of offers accepted by the applicant compared to the number of offers made as well as efficiently increase pools of applicants without the cost of pre-existing contracts. | 03-26-2009 |
20090083049 | CLAIM CHART CREATION SYSTEM - A process for creating a claim chart. Information is maintained in a database about a patent portfolio including at least one patent including at least one claim having at least one claim element and about a product portfolio including at least one product having at least one product characteristic. A collection of proof pieces are maintained in the database each representing an assertion about a product characteristic. A current product in the product portfolio, a current patent in the patent portfolio, and a current claim in the current patent are selected. For each claim element of the current claim, an element proof is constructed by selecting a proof piece showing that a product characteristic of the current product matches the claim element. Then a document is generated showing the claim chart as a collection of the element proofs. | 03-26-2009 |
20090083050 | COMPILATION AND DISTRIBUTION OF DATA FOR AIRCRAFT FLEET MANAGEMENT - A fleet management service receives HUMS data from a multitude of operators, compiles the HUMS data, and communicates fleet management data to each of the multiple of operators as compared to a fleet of that aircraft type. The fleet management service provides an executive level summary of each operator's aircraft, maintenance and supply chain performance, with analysis of this performance compared to the fleet of that aircraft type. | 03-26-2009 |
20090083051 | Interactive Self-Contained Business Transaction Virtual Object Generation - A method for generating a virtual object in a virtual environment that includes performing a business transaction in a virtual environment, completing the business transaction, and generating a virtual object responsive to the completing the business transaction. The virtual object contains information related to at least one of a product or a service related to the business transaction. The virtual object may be stored in a storage mechanism accessible by the virtual environment and/or accessible by a user or avatar. A visual representation of the virtual object may be generated from the completed business transaction. | 03-26-2009 |
20090083052 | Virtual Business Object Business Processes in a Virtual Environment - A method for virtual business object processes in a virtual environment that includes presenting at least one process for selection by an avatar in a virtual environment, the at least one process being encapsulated with a virtual business object (VBO) associated with a completed business transaction in the virtual environment, selecting a process from the at least one process, and executing the selected process. The processes encapsulated in the virtual business object may be interactively updated by a remote process. | 03-26-2009 |
20090083053 | Method for Linking Intellectual Property System to Other System and the System - Provided are a method and system capable of reducing unnecessary developing and operating costs by implementing data exchange or screen association in different intellectual property information systems having different server from each other. The method associates at least first and second different intellectual property related systems operated by different servers from each other. The method includes the steps of: providing, by the first intellectual property information system, identification of requested information to the second intellectual property information system; and providing, by the second intellectual property information system, a link to information corresponding to the identification, or opening a page corresponding to the identification. | 03-26-2009 |
20090083054 | Process to determine the authenticity context and quality context of products - The information surrounding the manufacturing of a product is called a manufacturing context. The manufacturing context of a product provides details about the source and quality of raw material together with the detail of manufacturing and quality assurance throughout the manufacturing process. A product identifier is a unique identifier generated from a manufacturing context to uniquely identify one or more products manufactured under the same condition. Information about a retailer and its environment is called a retailer context. A retailer identifier is a unique identifier that identifies a retailer context. A product's authenticity context is comprised of the authenticity of a product and the authenticity of a retailer. The production identifier and the retailer identifier are made available to consumers at the point of sale so that the authenticity context can be determined. This process enables a consumer to determine if a product is genuine and that the retailer is authorized to sell a particular product in a point of sales environment. Upon matching the context identifiers through a Web service provided by the manufacturer, consumers can obtain additional details regarding information that is particular to the product, such as quality control information recorded during the manufacturing process. In doing so, consumer confidence about a product is increased. | 03-26-2009 |
20090083055 | Method and system for a scratchcard - A method and a system are provided for providing online services associated with a scratchcard, such as domain name registration, online storage and Internet hosting. The method includes providing the scratchcard to a user, the scratchcard including a non-visible portion displaying an identifier. The method includes, responsive to a user request, verifying the identifier as valid. The method includes registering a domain name for the user if the identifier is verified as valid. | 03-26-2009 |
20090083056 | Method and apparatus for version management of a data entity - A system for identifying a parameter in a version of a data entity created at a specific time, wherein at a first time the version is an active version and at a second time the version is a previous version, the system comprising: a database for storing the plurality of versions of the data entity as they are created; a cache for storing the first active version of the data entity; wherein when a new version of the data entity is created by updating at least one parameter of the data entity, a new active version replaces the first active version stored in a cache and the first active version becomes a previous version stored in the cache; and wherein the new active version includes a list of the or each previous version of the data entity with an associated time at which the version was an active version, such that by identifying the version of the data entity which was active at the specific time the parameter is determined. | 03-26-2009 |
20090083057 | Use Of Commodity Pricing Information In Making Decisions On Purchasing Of Items - A computer implemented approach which simplifies the task of a user in using commodity pricing information in making decisions on purchasing of items. The user is provided a suitable interface using which the constituent commodities and the required respective quantities for each item may be specified. The digital processing system then automatically (without requiring manual entry by the user) retrieves the current prices of the commodities, and provides various types of information which simplifies the purchasing decisions. According to one aspect, alerts are provided when the prices of a commodity does not satisfy pre-specified limits or when the aggregate cost of commodities required for one unit of the item does not satisfy a pre-specified limit. Similarly, information is presented which simplifies hedging decisions and buy or make decisions. | 03-26-2009 |
20090083058 | BUSINESS CONTEXT DATA COMPANION TOOL - Methods and apparatuses enable rendering business context data in a desktop widget. The business context data describes a resource, a view, and actionable context data that relate to a business scenario. The business context data is processed to determine a UI component to generate to represent the business context data. The component is then generated and rendered in a desktop widget to provide access to the actionable context data on a client device via the desktop widget. An active business client receives and processes the business context data. The active business client can operate as a widget engine for the business context data to enable the rendering of the business context data on the client device. | 03-26-2009 |
20090083059 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR RETROACTIVE, DYNAMIC MONITORING OF LOW LAYOUT HEIGHTS IN DANGEROUS EVENTS - The invention relates to a system and to a method for retroactive, dynamic determination and/or monitoring of low layout heights of technical systems ( | 03-26-2009 |
20090083060 | AUTOMATED COMPUTER ELECTRONICS DEVICE REPORTING - A system for generating and submitting reports about consumer electronics devices, including a consumer electronics device, including a host interface, for connecting a wireless communication card to a consumer electronics device, and a host memory storage unit, for storing technical information and usage information about the consumer electronics device, denoted INF-1, and a wireless communication card, including a controller, for executing programmed instructions, a power subsystem for supplying power to the communication card, a wireless modem coupled with the controller for receiving and transmitting data over the air, and a card interface for connecting the communication card to the consumer electronics device, wherein the controller is programmed to collect information INF-1, to generate a report including at least a portion of information INF-1, to collect recipient address information, denoted INF-2, and to submit the report to a recipient address as per information INF-2, via the wireless modem, over a wireless communication network that connects the communication card and the recipient. A method is also described and claimed. | 03-26-2009 |
20090083061 | CONTENT PROVIDING/OBTAINING SYSTEM - A content providing apparatus previously receives customer identification information and content identification information as customer reservation information via a terminal device, and sends customer desired content data corresponding to the content identification information to a content obtaining apparatus, so as to provide a customer with the customer desired content data via the content obtaining apparatus more easily, thus making it possible to significantly improve the usability of a content obtaining/providing system. In addition, a content providing server sends three-dimensional images to a portable dedicated terminal in response to a preview request sent from the portable dedicated terminal to display it, and then sends commercial data corresponding to a preview request sent according to the display state of the three-dimensional images to reproduce it, so as to make the customer view and preview the content to allow the customer to accurately judge whether the content meets his/her taste, thus making it possible to select content data lightheartedly. | 03-26-2009 |
20090083062 | Method and System for Providing Access to Electronic Learning and Social Interaction with in a Single Application - A system for managing academic and social life for students includes a central server connected to a wide-area network and storing a repertoire of logic functions for use by students in managing academic activities; and a plurality of computerized appliances associated with individual students, the computerized appliances connectable to the wide-area network. The students may download logic from the central server, and execute the logic to configure and manage activities related to classes and studies in a college or university, and may interact with other students through the central server. In one aspect the system further includes one or more distributed servers connected to the wide-area-network the servers adapted for network-based academic learning and for communication with the central server over the network; and one or more content servers connected to the wide-area-network, the content servers adapted to provide Web-based content and services to students through the central server. | 03-26-2009 |
20090089067 | SPREADSHEET WORKBOOK PART LIBRARIES - Disclosed are systems and methods that enable a workbook author to break a workbook out into a set of logically separate pieces, referred to herein as “workbook parts.” Calculation dependencies between the workbook parts may be maintained, so that all the calculations are correct across the entire spreadsheet. An organization may be enabled to manage each workbook part separately, thus certain users may be denied access to view or edit certain workbook parts. Accordingly, where multiple authors are contributing to a tightly controlled workbook, the person responsible for spreadsheet management is enabled to allow each of those authors access to edit only the portion that they need to be concerned with. | 04-02-2009 |
20090089068 | Method of Automatically Configuring Replacement Modules in Vehicles - Replacement modules are mapped to a telematics subscriber's account to allow a provider to properly manage a subscriber's services. Aspects of the invention allow vehicle dealer personnel to map replacement modules automatically through a provider website without contacting a live advisor. Subsequently, the provider automatically completes configuration of the replacement module via a wireless network. | 04-02-2009 |
20090089069 | METHOD FOR DEREGISTRATION OF REMOVED TELECOMMUNICATION MODULE - A method for deregistering a module removed from a telematics unit associated with a vehicle employs a network-based deregistration interface for module data uniquely identifying the removed module as well as optionally for uniquely identifying the vehicle owner or subscriber and the vehicle, e.g., a subscriber ID and VIN. The interface may also comprise one or more authentication fields for receiving and transmitting authentication data. | 04-02-2009 |
20090089070 | System and Method for Validating and Processing Customer Entered Addresses - A system includes an address validation and resolution module operable to determine a location corresponding to a civic address; a location key generator operable to generate a location key adapted to index a set of location-based services identifiers; and an available services determination module operable to use the location key to index the set of location-based services identifiers to determine location-based services available at the civic address. An embodiment of a computer-implemented method includes receiving address data identifying a civic address associated with a, determining a location corresponding to the identified civic address based on the address data; and determining whether one or more services are available at the identified civic address based on the determined location. | 04-02-2009 |
20090089071 | COMPRESSED NON-INDEXED DATA STORAGE - Systems and methods for storing and processing trading records are disclosed. The records may be arranged so that a single processor read operation reads multiple values. The records may also be arranged in a substantially sequential non-indexed collection and stored in a solid state memory module, such as a cache memory of a processor. A computer device may be configured to access the non-indexed collection of trading records and perform operations such as matching trades, recreating the state of an order book or analyzing trading records. | 04-02-2009 |
20090089072 | CONFIGURATION MANAGEMENT DATABASE (CMDB) WHICH ESTABLISHES POLICY ARTIFACTS AND AUTOMATIC TAGGING OF THE SAME - The present invention discloses a solution for managing policy artifacts using a configuration management database (CMDB). Policies can be associated with a number of information technology resources, such as servers, businesses applications and the like. The solution permits automatic tagging of the policies (auto-discovery) as they enter the CMDB. For example, when a policy is added, it can be compared against a set of tagging rules. Multiple rules can match a new policy, which results in multiple tags being added for the policy. The policy specific tags can be optionally indexed for faster searching. Once indexed, the CMDB can support policy and policy tag based queries. In one embodiment, policy artifacts can be manipulated within a CMDB tool in a manner consistent with how the CMDB tool handles configuration items (CIs). | 04-02-2009 |
20090089073 | Contact management system through internet - A contact management method includes the steps of providing an information center for a receiver to access through Internet; receiving a business portfolio in the information center, wherein the business portfolio contains information of a giver; receiving a personal code from the receiver in the information center; and verifying information of the giver in the business portfolio in responsive to the personal code. Therefore, the information center provides a communication platform to bond the relationship between the giver and the receiver after the exchange of the business card and verifies the giver by matching the information of giver on the business card with the information of the giver in the information center. | 04-02-2009 |
20090089074 | Identifying Trusted Providers - A computer-implemented method includes receiving a request from a consumer associated with a first medical service provider to engage in real time with a medical service provider over the Internet. The method also includes in response to the received request, displaying a list of medical service providers to the consumer on a user interface. The method also includes providing an indicator associated with a particular medical service provider in the list of medical service providers if the particular medical service provider is a trusted medical service provider identified by the first medical service provider. | 04-02-2009 |
20090089075 | FUEL ENVIRONMENTAL EVALUATION SYSTEM - The invention provides a fuel environmental evaluation system for evaluating a fuel environment characteristic in an energy distribution process comprising a means for inputting an amount of raw material supplied to equipment for each process of energy distribution, an amount of product produced from each equipment for each process, and a type and an amount of utility supplied to the equipment for each process when producing the product; a storage means for storing input data; a storage means for storing a basic unit for an amount of environmentally affecting matter emission per unit amount of an environmental emission matter in the raw material, utility and product; an environmental emission calculation section for calculating an amount of environmentally affecting matter emission from data of amounts of the raw material, utility and product, and the basic unit for the amount of environmentally affecting matter emission; and a means for storing a calculation result from the environmental emission calculation section. | 04-02-2009 |
20090089076 | Image forming apparatus, method of registering information of replacement component, and computer program product - An image forming apparatus includes a plurality of replacement components to be replaced according to their lifetimes. An information setting unit sets a replacement type of each of the replacement components, which indicates whether each of the replacement components is to be replaced at failure or replaced periodically, and a replacer who is in charge of replacing each of the replacement components. An information registering unit registers therein the replacement type and the replacer set by the information setting unit for each of the replacement components. | 04-02-2009 |
20090089077 | COLLECTION METHOD, COLLECTION SYSTEM, RECYCLING METHOD AND COLLECTION CONTAINER FOR USED PRINTING PLATE - An IC tag is fixed to a printing plate. An ID code is stored in the IC tag. A used printing plate is collected using a collection container. The collection container is provided with a reception device of the collected used printing plates. The reception device is provided with an IC tag reader. An ID code of the used printing plate is read with the IC tag reader. According to the read ID code, whether to reuse the used printing plate for a substrate of the printing plate is judged. The used printing plates judged to be reused are sent to an aluminum substrate recycling plant and recycled as raw materials for aluminum used in production of the substrates for the printing plates. | 04-02-2009 |
20090089078 | BUNDLING OF AUTOMATED WORK FLOW - An enterprise geospatial intelligence service oriented architecture (EGI-SOA) provides a consumer with one or more tailored products in response to either a dynamic request or a standing request by the consumer. | 04-02-2009 |
20090094039 | COLLABORATIVE PRODUCTION OF RICH MEDIA CONTENT - Among other things, a publicly accessible online facility enables users to create finished rich media content (RMC) by collaboratively engaging in activities to create RMC portions related to the finished RMC, the RMC portions being made accessible to the users in different predefined levels of abstraction in which the finished RMC can be expressed. | 04-09-2009 |
20090094040 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR GENERATING AND RESPONDING TO A REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL - A method for generating a request for proposal and responding to the request for proposal is provided. The method includes generating, via a computing module stored in a computing system, a request for proposal. The method further includes providing, via the computing module, a response to the request for proposal. The method also includes receiving at least one of a first communication related to the request for proposal and a second communication related to the response by using the computing module. | 04-09-2009 |
20090094041 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR REPRESENTING AGREEMENTS AS REPUTATION - System and method for representing agreements as reputation are disclosed. In one embodiment, the method comprises, in response to a request to generate an assertion relating to a piece of content, regenerating a reputation statement concerning an agreement from reputation-forming information (RFI) associated with an agreement; and generating an assertion from the reputation statement and the piece of content, the generating comprising binding the piece of content to the reputation statement. | 04-09-2009 |
20090094042 | Method and System for Providing a Customer Biopolymer to a Customer - The present invention relates to a method and a system for providing a customer biopolymer to a customer. The sequence of a customer biopolymer is transferred to a production control system of a biopolymer service provider, synthesized on a production machine of the service provider and delivered to the customer, wherein no human action is necessary to initiate or control the synthesis process. | 04-09-2009 |
20090094043 | One stop full service real estate system and method - A system and method for providing a user with assistance in selling their home. | 04-09-2009 |
20090094044 | System, method and computer-readable medium for configuring a computer via a network to generate a personalized user experience - A system, method and computer-readable medium are provided for configuring a computer to behave in accordance with a profile associated with a selected user account. A profile server includes (a.) means to store the profile in a server of an electronic communications network; and (b.) means to enable a user to download the profile to a computer via the electronic communications network, whereby the recipient computer is enabled to generate a user experience in interaction with the user. | 04-09-2009 |
20090094045 | Method and system for determining the reliability of forensic interpretation - The present invention pertains to a process for determining reliability of forensic interpretation methods. Specifically, the process comprises the steps of obtaining forensic data, a known feature, and a population of features; obtaining a forensic interpretation method that is applicable to the forensic data; applying the interpretation method to the forensic data to obtain an inferred feature; computing a match information statistic that determines a frequency of occurrence of a match between the inferred feature and the known feature relative to the population of features; and computing a numerical reliability statistic from the match information statistic to determine the reliability of the forensic interpretation method for legal admissibility in a court of law. This reliability determination is useful for validating a forensic interpretation method so that its results can be admitted as evidence in a court of law. Establishing reliability helps ensure that forensic evidence complies with F.R.E. 702, which requires that a method and the application of the method to data must be reliable in order to be admissible. | 04-09-2009 |
20090094046 | Event-Recording Gift Container and Methods of Use - A means and methods are provided to give a gift and simultaneously and unobtrusively record images and/or sound to capture the emotion and excitement of the gift recipient upon receipt of the gift and discovery of the gift-container contents. A gift container is combined with miniaturized video and/or audio recording technologies for use in conjunction with microelectronics and provides a means for recorded data transfer to external devices. Appropriate methods associated with related rentals, sales, and services to the consumer using the gift container are provided. | 04-09-2009 |
20090094047 | Systems and methods for predicting a risk utilizing epigenetic data - A method includes receiving epigenetic information associated with at least a specific individual and/or prognosticating a risk at least partially based on the epigenetic information associated with at least a specific individual and the at least one correlation of epigenetic information associated with at least a first individual for at least a first epigenetic-information interval of time with disability data associated with at least a first individual for at least a first disability-data interval of time. | 04-09-2009 |
20090094048 | System and Method For Facilitating The Introduction of Compatible Individuals Using Third Party Collaborative Tools - A system and method for facilitating an online collaborative community for individuals to meet each other, make suggestions to members in their network of other individuals as potential matches, and introduce members to each other. A number of features are provided that promote collaboration among members of the online community with regard to suggested matches of potentially compatible individuals. A first feature enables a user to initiate a multi-party discussion concerning suggested matches for particular individuals. The user has the ability to attach a profile of the suggested match to the discussion, which may be retrieved and viewed by the invited parties to the discussion. Invited parties may be non-members as well as members of the online community. A “social feed” is provided to a user to inform the user of activities happening on the site that are related to the user or any friends to whom he/she is connected. A points system is provided to award points to users for participation in various categories of activities and actions that promote the advancement of the introduction and matching network. Various games modules are provided to encourage matchmaking activities by enhancing the entertainment value of site participation. A scoreboard is also provided, which lists the top-scoring users of the site. | 04-09-2009 |
20090094049 | MACHINE-IMPLEMENTED ITEM EXCHANGE METHOD - A machine-implemented item exchange method includes the steps of: (a) based on at least one value that has been set by a first member on at least one item possessed by the first member, and at least one value that has been set by the first member on at least one item possessed by a second member, determining in accordance with an exchange rule and on behalf of the first member a correlation indicative of willingness of the first member to exchange an item possessed thereby for an item possessed by the second member; and (b) in accordance with the correlation determined in step (a), performing item matching so as to generate a match list. | 04-09-2009 |
20090094050 | Electronic shop customer registration method - A service provider places a server at a data center and a service user searches a website, connecting a terminal to the Internet. When the service user specifies a URL in a website server via a terminal accessible to the Internet, data of content stored onto the server is read out and transmitted to the terminal of the service user. The server stores customer information received from the service user and performs a customer registration as a merchandise purchaser. After completing a customer registration, information advising a membership registration different from a customer registration is transmitted to the service user. | 04-09-2009 |
20090099852 | System and Method of Providing Data Subscription Services for Searchable Data Sources - A computer-implemented method involves offering data brokering services to clients. The client may be members of a supply chain needing to analyze statistical models. A data brokering platform is linked to a plurality of data sources. The data provided by the data sources is selected from demographic data, advertising data, product data, weather data, pricing data, sales data, shipping data, inventory data, and web spiders. A data portal interfaces with the data brokering platform for the client to search and retrieve data provided by the data sources. The data brokering services offers subscription management services, subscription management services, data distribution services, data rights services, and an adaptor for harmonizing data from multiple data sources. The data brokering platform is operated by a third-party service provider which offers models that utilize the data from the data brokering platform. | 04-16-2009 |
20090099853 | CONTEXTUAL PRODUCT PLACEMENT - The present invention relates to methods, systems and databases for sharing user inputted data obtained from two different environments. In particular, the present invention relates to methods of obtaining user inputted data (e.g., metadata or links) from a social networking environment, and providing the data to other users in an e-commerce environment, and vice versa. Data from both environments can be stored in a database accessible by either environment. In another embodiment, a user can access the data via a search performed or provided to the user in realtime. | 04-16-2009 |
20090099854 | SELF-MONITORING SYSTEM OF RECIPROCAL BENEFIT - In one embodiment, an indication that a first user of a social network has performed an action relating to helping a second user of the social network is received. Then a number of points is awarded to the first user based on the action performed. Then a web page is delivered to a third user, wherein the web page contains an identification of the first user and a representation of the number of points the first user has been awarded, wherein the number of points the first user has been awarded are delivered in a way that allows them to be used to benefit the first user. | 04-16-2009 |
20090099855 | Method for Generating Software Variants - A method generates, based on an original business process comprising at least one component, a variant business process comprising at least one variation compared to the original business process. The method comprises the steps of developing a variant meta-model, representing the at least one variation, instantiating and verifying the developed variant meta-model portion to obtain a variant model, and implementing the variant model to generate the variant. The method also comprises developing a formalism for defining the at least one variation. | 04-16-2009 |
20090099856 | Method for Providing Enhanced Valuation Protection for Shipping of Household Goods by a Motor Carrier - A method for enhancing the valuation protection available to a shipper for a shipment of household goods whereby the carrier offers for financial consideration to waive one or more common law defenses and/or one or more interpretation limit defenses otherwise available to it to mitigate its liability to a shipper for a claim for damaged/lost goods, and an agreement by the carrier to increase its maximum liability by providing the shipper an additional dollar amount, preferably $25,000, of Full Value Protection coverage in addition to the minimums required by the carrier's tariffs, or in addition to the shipper's Full Value Protection valuation declaration. The financial consideration to be paid by a shipper is at least partially determined by the nature and number of defenses offered to be waived. As one or more common law or interpretation limit defenses may exhibit geographical significance, the offerings may include differential pricing for one or more such common law defenses to be waived. Preferably, and for maximum shifting of the risk of loss/damage from the shipper to the carrier, the enhanced valuation protection includes offering a waiver of all common law defenses. | 04-16-2009 |
20090099857 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR VERIFYING USE OF A FINANCIAL INSTRUMENT - Methods and systems for verifying that a registrant is authorized to use a particular payment instrument are presented. A registering service initiates one or more verifying transactions involving the instrument. The registrant contacts the issuing financial institution to dispute the transaction and verifies his or her identity to the issuing financial institution, resulting in the registering service being contacted and verifying to the registering service that the registrant owns or controls the payment instrument. | 04-16-2009 |
20090099858 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR ORDERING CONTENT FROM A FIRST DEVICE FOR A SELECTED USER DEVICE THROUGH AN INTERACTIVE INTERFACE - A method and system for ordering content includes a first device having an ordering interactive interface having available content and a first user device identifier and a second user device identifier. The first device forms a content selection corresponding to the on-demand content from the interactive interface and a user device selection corresponding to the first user device or the second user device. The first device communicates the content selection and the user device selection to a content processing system. The content processing system communicates a control word to the user device corresponding to the content selection and the user device selection. A user device receives the content corresponding to the selection in response to the control word and the user device selection. | 04-16-2009 |
20090099859 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR ORDERING AND PRIORITIZING THE DOWNLOADING OF CONTENT FROM AN INTERACTIVE INTERFACE - A method and system for ordering content includes a first device having an ordering interactive interface. The first device identifies a user account. The first device forms a content selection corresponding to the on-demand content from the interactive interface and generates a recording priority status. The first device communicates the content selection and the recording priority status to a content processing system. The content processing system forms a queue for the user account, inserts the content selection in the queue in response to the recording priority and communicates a control word to the user device. A user device receives the content corresponding to the selection in response to the control word. | 04-16-2009 |
20090099860 | Composite Application Using Security Annotations - Automatic secure application composition, in which a specification for a business process is accessed, the specification including a security annotation that defines a security intention, and a task that defines at least a portion of the business process, and that calls an external service. A security pattern associated with the security annotation is invoked, and a service provider associated with the external service that satisfies the security intention is identified based on the invoked security pattern. The business process is invoked using the identified service provider. | 04-16-2009 |
20090099861 | INGESTION AND DISTRIBUTION OF MULTIPLE CONTENT TYPES - A content portal provides a single user interface for uploading content for distribution to various marketplaces. A user may create a user account with the content portal and upload content, which is stored by the content portal. The content may include a variety of different content types. The content portal may be used to manage the content and to distribute the content to a variety of marketplaces. The marketplaces may also return analytics to the content portal, which provides reports to the user regarding activities associated with the content at the marketplaces. | 04-16-2009 |
20090106033 | System and Method for Estimating a Shipment Delivery Date - An estimated delivery date model determines an estimated delivery date for a shipment of a product to a consumer. For example, a built-to-order information handling system shipped through plural shipping providers has an estimated delivery date determined to provide early notice of the shipment to the consumer. The delivery date is estimated from a manifest for the product based on time in transit adjusted for predicted delays, such as in hubs or due to non-shipping days. | 04-23-2009 |
20090106034 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MAKING THIRD PARTY PICKUP AVAILABLE TO RETAIL CUSTOMERS - Third party pickup for an ordered item is made available to a customer by authenticating the identity of the customer. The identity of the customer is authenticated by retrieving information associated with the customer from a public record; posing a question to the customer based upon the retrieved information; receiving a response to the question from the customer; and evaluating the received response to determine if the response achieves a threshold score. | 04-23-2009 |
20090106035 | METHOD, SYSTEM AND DEVICE FOR ENABLING THE PUBLIC TO ACCESS ORGANIZATIONS' DIRECTORIES - A real-time directory access system provides the public with information of interest of an organization, and enabling mobile personal communication devices to access the organization's information of interest and to interactively communicate with the organization. This system includes an organization's central data server, a plurality of branch data servers for storing branch information of interest and for interactively communicating with mobile devices, a plurality of in-branch access points for distributing information of interest. The system also includes a plurality of mobile personal communication devices for receiving and displaying information of interest from access points and interactively communicating with branch data servers. | 04-23-2009 |
20090106036 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR MAKING AUTOMATED APPOINTMENTS - Methods and systems for scheduling vehicle service appointments from a remote site via an onboard system are provided. For example, there is provided a method for broadcasting vehicle event information to a plurality of vehicles that can include product update information and vehicle maintenance reminders. The user is able to respond to the vehicle event by requesting a service appointment from a desired dealer using the onboard system to communicate with a remote site using a cellular data line over a wireless communication network. In one embodiment, a proposed service appointment date and time is presented to the user. The proposed appointment date and time is based on the vehicle user's preference setting and a dealer's schedule corresponding to the dealer selected by the user. Proposed service appointment dates and times are released to other users when the user has not confirmed the appointment during a predetermined response time. | 04-23-2009 |
20090106037 | ELECTRONIC BOOK LOCATOR - An electronic book locator can be a hand-held or a mounted device for locating or cataloguing books. One or more images of book spines can be processed using character recognition methods to electronically recognize book identification information appearing on the book spine. Locations of books in a book storage area can be determined from images of the books in the book storage area. Determined book locations can be compared to designated locations and misplaced books can be indicated. A book database can be generated based on images of books. Identification information of a target book can be input into a book locator device and a location of the target book can be indicated by the device. | 04-23-2009 |
20090106038 | INFORMATION SYSTEM INCLUDING MANAGEMENT SERVER AND SUPPORT SERVER - A support server | 04-23-2009 |
20090106039 | FRANKING SYSTEM WITH A VERIFIED DISTRIBUTION POINT - A method of franking a mailpiece that is to be put into a letter box associated with a mail-receiving office, including, in a portable communications device of a sender of the mailpiece, firstly an operation of inputting an identifier of said letter box, and secondly an operation of transmitting the identifier together with other postal data, including at least one franking amount and an unique identification code relating to the mailpiece, to a server of a franking service having the function of issuing a franking authorization for the sender. | 04-23-2009 |
20090106040 | System And Method For Synchronous Recommendations of Social Interaction Spaces to Individuals - A system and method for recommending a social interaction space to an individual are disclosed. Real-time information about users and a social interaction environment are gathered. A real-time, general model of the social interaction environment, including social interaction space states, trajectories, and rhythms, is created, as well as real-time profiles of the users. Affinities are calculated between modeled environment and user profiles, and social interaction spaces of the modeled environment are recommended to the user based upon the calculated affinities. | 04-23-2009 |
20090106041 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR THE PREVENTION OF EXTENDED UTILITY THEFT - Systems, methods, and computer program products for identifying utility theft include a property management system operable to receive tenant data associated with a property. A service provider in communication with the property management system receives the tenant data from the property management system via a network such as the Internet, where the tenant data identifies a tenant responsible for payment of a utility service associated with a utility service account. The service provider, which may be a utility, compares the tenant data to utility data to determine if the tenant corresponds to a utility service account. A notification module provides one or more alerts identifying when the tenant fails to correspond to the utility service account. | 04-23-2009 |
20090106042 | SYSTEM FOR PRODUCT AUTHENTICATION BY MOBILE PHONE - An authentication system enabling a customer to verify the authenticity of a product in a foolproof, secure and simple manner. plurality of secret sets of numbers is generated, each set comprising a challenge portion and a response portion. These sets are stored on a remote server. Each set is associated with a different product. The customer sends a challenge portion to the server, and prompts the server to provide a response. If the response matches that of the product in hand, the product is known to be authentic. In another embodiment of the system, cellular transmission is used to power an electronic tag attached to the product and carrying authentication data. In a third embodiment, the full manufacturer database is divided into separate databases, possibly related to product vendor, such that an authentication process can be performed without the need to access the manufacturer's entire database of products. | 04-23-2009 |
20090106043 | Method and system for identifying people who are likely to have a successful relationship - The functions and operations of a matching service are disclosed. This includes approximating the satisfaction that a user of the matching service has in the relationships that the user forms with others and identifying candidates for a relationship with the user based on the approximated satisfaction. This also includes approximating the satisfaction that the user will have in a relationship with a particular candidate. The matching service also identifies two parties for a relationship. The matching service makes available a plurality of communication levels at which the parties can communicate. Each communication level allows the parties to exchange information in a different format. The parties are permitted to exchange information at one of the communication levels. | 04-23-2009 |
20090112608 | COLLABORATIVE MULTI-AGENT SYSTEM FOR DYNAMIC MANAGEMENT OF ELECTRONIC SERVICES IN A MOBILE GLOBAL NETWORK ENVIRONMENT - A computer-readable electronic services management system for a mobile communications network, comprising a distributed network of agents in the form of collaborative autonomous software agents wherein the agents are configured to represent and act on behalf of a user and to communicate with each other to manage, for the user, one or more electronic services (e.g. electronic messages, a purchase etc.) via the user's communications devices. Multiple types of agents include a primary personal agent, a primary creation agent for creating other agents and subordinate agents, and a primary destruction agent for destroying agents meeting pre-determined criteria based on a threshold value in relation to an agent value coefficient. Collaboration between agents is by a private user whiteboard facility whereby collaborating agents post to the whiteboard addressed electronic services, including service tasks to be performed for the user, and extract from the whiteboard electronic services addressed to them. | 04-30-2009 |
20090112609 | BIDDING FOR ADVERTISEMENT POSITIONS OTHER THAN ONE - Methods, systems, and computer storage media having computer-executable instructions embodied thereon that, when executed, perform methods for determining bid amounts necessary to ensure advertisements or other content items will be presented in designated positions other than the most prominent (or first) position when bid information associated with a lesser included match type is not requested, are provided. Bids are received that are associated with a given keyword, a content item and a desired placement position. Based thereupon, a placement position in which the bid will cause associated content item is determined and compared to the desired placement position. If the determined placement position is not within a given error threshold of the desired placement position, the bid is iteratively adjusted in such a way that an adjusted bid amount is determined which will ensure placement in the desired position. | 04-30-2009 |
20090112610 | Product authentication systems and methods - Systems and methods for authorising distribution networks through mutual dependency of unit item authentication and batch authentication are provided through cascading authentication along the product packaging characteristics. | 04-30-2009 |
20090112611 | Interactive fundraising with funder rules - Project-based interactive fundraising with funder rules is provided. A fundraising application is accessible by multiple online users for creating projects to be funded and for funding created projects. Projects can include project requirements, such as a target funding minimum. Online users can select created projects and establish funder rules to determine conditions to fund the selected projects. The project requirements and funder rules are processed to determine whether or not funds can be released to the projects or returned to the selecting users. The funder rules give funding users direct control over the project fundraising. The processed funder rules provide information on current and anticipated funding levels and can be used to find approximate optimal conditions to attain high funding levels and increase the likelihood of success to fund a project. | 04-30-2009 |
20090112612 | Board Document Approval Method - A computer implemented method for approving a board paper for distribution that includes the following steps in order:
| 04-30-2009 |
20090112613 | Business method to improve the internet base on-line dating, chatting and other similar services by adding the process of screening and verification as well as conducting the aforesaid process by person in-person to maximize the value and protection of the service - The Internet based on-line dating, chatting, or other similar services by definition and design allows many participants enter the forum through multiple entry points. Furthermore, by definition and design, information within the forum or platform is exchanged via multiple points. | 04-30-2009 |
20090119112 | Recording Medium Storing Car Seat Fabric Simulation Program, Car Seat Fabric Simulation Method, Car Seat Fabric Simulation Device, Car Seat Fabric Manufacturing Method, and Car Seat Fabric Trading Method - A car seat fabric is simulated with a feeling of reality. A fabric texture information input acceptance portion ( | 05-07-2009 |
20090119113 | Unit-Based Refuse Collection System - A method and system for unit-based refuse collection is described. The method includes providing a resident or user with visually identifiable, and in some cases standard-sized bags to contain the refuse to be collected, and providing the resident with a container for holding filled bags while awaiting collection, the container having at least one substantially transparent portion for observing the filled bags therein. While collecting the refuse, an operator visually determines compliance with the collection system by observing the filled visually identifiable bags through the substantially transparent portion or portions of the container, to ensure usage of the proper bags, which may be sold at a price including the cost of collection. The resident is then billed in accordance with the amount of refuse that is generated, reflected by the number of visually identifiable bags that are used. | 05-07-2009 |
20090119114 | Systems and Methods for Enabling Customer Service - A method for enabling customer service includes providing a first portion of a flow chart including a flow chart component corresponding to a first task and a flow chart component corresponding to a second task. The flow chart may correspond to a customer service process comprising several tasks. A list of steps corresponding to the first task depicted in the flow chart is also provided. User input indicating completion of the first task is then received. Responsive to receiving the user input, a second portion of the flow chart is provided including a flow chart component corresponding to the second task and a flow chart component corresponding to a third task. The second portion of the flow chart includes at least one flow chart component that is not part of the first portion of the flow chart. | 05-07-2009 |
20090119115 | Customizing A Target Using An Endpoint - In one embodiment, customizing a target using an endpoint includes receiving customization parameters through a wireless link, where a customization parameter designating a setting for a feature of a target. The customization parameters are stored at the endpoint. A customization request comprising the customization parameters is generated. The customization request is sent to a customizer of the target to customize the target. | 05-07-2009 |
20090119116 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR CREDIT REPORT REMINDER SERVICE - Methods and systems are described for a credit report reminding service. A reminder service receives credit report reminder requests and credit report retrieval history from one or more consumers, such that one or more servers, software applications and databases are used to store and generate one or more consumer credit report retrieval schedules. The reminder service transmits credit report reminders to consumers based on the credit report retrieval schedules, and receives acknowledgements from the consumers when they have retrieved free credit reports. | 05-07-2009 |
20090119117 | SUPPLYING PRE-SORT DISCOUNT RATE DATA TO POSTAGE METER - A method includes receiving, in a postage meter, input from a user to select a rate option in the postage meter for mail that is to be pre-sorted at a remote location. If the selected pre-sort rate option has been programmed into the postage meter, the postage meter is set to print postage indicia in accordance with the selected pre-sort rate option. If the selected pre-sort rate option has not been programmed into the postage meter, the postage meter displays, to the user, information to indicate to the user how to arrange for the selected pre-sort rate option to be programmed into the postage meter. | 05-07-2009 |
20090119118 | METHOD FOR PROVIDING TISSUE PRODUCTS HAVING COORDINATED DECOR FEATURES - A method of customizing a tissue product, having the steps of: selecting a plurality of different architectural décor or home décor styles; categorizing the architectural décor or home décor styles into style groups; selecting a plurality of style groups; selecting at least one design that is representative of each style group; applying the selected designs to one or more tissue products, so that the tissue products represent the style group. | 05-07-2009 |
20090119119 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CREATING AND MANAGING A PERSONALIZED WEB INTERFACE FOR MONITORING LOCATION INFORMATION ON INDIVIDUALS AND OBJECTS USING TRACKING DEVICES - A personalized format webpage is generated to monitor location information. A management dashboard module is disclosed to provide a user access to location information of a tracking device associated with an object or an individual. An account services module provides menu options to the user. A wizard menu enables the user to enter billing information, identification settings of the tracking device, and coverage zones. Alert messages associated with the tracking device are generated in accordance with selected coverage zones and provided to the user. | 05-07-2009 |
20090119120 | AUTOMATICALLY DETERMINING AND APPLYING OVERAGE FOR A CUSTOMER PRINT JOB - A print shop management system for automatically handling overage for customer print or copy jobs is described. An overage refers to extra copies of a customer job produced for internal use at the print shop. The print shop management system allows the operator to create overage formulas, each formula specifying a set of criteria and an overage value for customer jobs meeting the criteria. The system then automatically applies the overage formulas to each customer job to print the requested number of copies and the extra copies. The system can also keep track of actual resource usage for each job | 05-07-2009 |
20090119121 | Peer-to-peer service providing system and method for preventing contents from being illegally distributed - A peer-to-peer (P2P) service providing system and method for preventing contents from being illegally distributed are disclosed. An electronic tag is assigned to digital contents after generating the contents. Information regarding the electronic tag is provided in response to a content request. A determination is made as to whether a fee to share corresponding contents has been paid using the electronic tag information, and the corresponding contents are provided. Illegal content distribution through the Internet (particularly, a P2P system) can be prevented. | 05-07-2009 |
20090119122 | Retail Item - Offset Pairing for Neutral Environmental Impact - Systems and methods for pairing negative and positive environmental impacts are disclosed. The system and methods include pairing negative environmental impacts from retail item production and manufacturing with positive environmental impacts from projects, resulting in retail items that are neutral with respect to environmental effects. The systems and methods offset negative environmental impact for retail items by determining a positive environmental impact associated with a project and calculating micro-units based on the amount of negative impact from each retail item. A unique identifier is assigned to each micro-unit and the micro-unit-retail unit pairing is stored. The system can be implemented via a computer system. | 05-07-2009 |
20090125316 | Rescue container method and apparatus - At least one human-transport rescue container ( | 05-14-2009 |
20090125317 | AUTOMATED PRINTING OF RETURN LABELS - Embodiments herein provide for the automated printing of a shipping label as part of the software/memory of the customer replaceable unit (CRU). Such printing is controlled by information carried in the module itself. Thus, the embodiments work with exhaustible modules that include their own memory and potentially include their own module processor (that are contained within the exhaustible module and are separate from the memory and processor of the printing device). | 05-14-2009 |
20090125318 | SYSTEM AND METHOD OF PROVIDING MARKETING PRODUCTION - A method of providing marketing products to a user includes storing the marketing products in a data storage device. The marketing products are categorized such that each marketing product is associated with at least one category. A graphic is divided into a plurality of categories and displayed to the user via a display. Each category is selectable by the user using an input device. In response to a category being selected by the user, a list of marketing products is presented to the user via the display. The list corresponds to the category selected by the user. A selection from the user of one of the marketing products presented on the list is received via the input device. In response to the selection of the marketing product, the marketing product is sent to the user. | 05-14-2009 |
20090125319 | SYSTEMS, METHODS, AND COMPUTER PROGRAM PRODUCTS FOR ALLOCATING CREDIT BASED UPON DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRONIC CONTENT - Systems, methods, and computer program products are described for allocating credit based upon distribution of electronic content. The methods include distributing an item of electronic content from a distributor to a first recipient; generating a credit tracking message corresponding to the item of electronic content that includes a distributor identifier associated with the distributor; and assigning a first credit score to the distributor using the credit tracking message. | 05-14-2009 |
20090125320 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR DISPLAYING BUSINESS INFORMATION - The method begins by storing a set of business information in a database. The database contemplates storing business information for a plurality of businesses. The method continues with collecting customer satisfaction information related to the plurality of businesses. The collected customer satisfaction information is inputted into the database. Additionally, the inputted customer satisfaction information is correlated to the plurality of businesses. The method continues with receiving a search query. In response to receiving the search query, the method contemplates generating a responsive data subset. The method also contemplates displaying the sorted data subset on a webpage. | 05-14-2009 |
20090125321 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR DETERMINING A GEOGRAPHIC USER PROFILE TO DETERMINE SUITABILITY OF TARGETED CONTENT MESSAGES BASED ON THE PROFILE - Methods and systems for determining the suitability of information to be received by a mobile client are disclosed. For example, an exemplary method may includes identifying a set of location history information by the mobile client, updating a user profile by the mobile client based on the location history information, and displaying/storing target information on the mobile client based on the updated user profile. | 05-14-2009 |
20090132262 | Proactively determining evidence issues on legal matters involving employee status changes - Exemplary systems and methods for determining potential evidence issues for employees having changing status. In exemplary embodiments, employee status information is accessed. Employee status information may comprise employee status change information or current employee status information. Information associated with one or more legal matters is also accessed. A status check is then performed to determine if there are status change employees. A status change employee comprises an employee having changing status or potential changing status that is associated with the one or more legal matters. | 05-21-2009 |
20090132263 | Residential Race Course - A private development is described. It includes at least two residences each located on a separate parcel of private land. The residences are owned by different residents. The development also includes a private automobile racetrack. The private automobile racetrack is at least partially surrounded by each parcel of private land, and the private automobile racetrack is fractionally owned by the residents. The development includes a ingress and egress between the residences and the private automobile racetrack. | 05-21-2009 |
20090132264 | MEDIA ASSET EVALUATION BASED ON SOCIAL RELATIONSHIPS - A method for evaluating media assets in a set of media assets including the step of obtaining information defining at least social relationships of an audience. The social relationships include relationships between a member of the audience and someone recorded in at least one of the media assets. For each media asset in the set of media assets, the method includes identifying one or more people recorded in the digital media asset, computing, for each person recorded in the digital media asset, the person's expected social significance relative to the audience based at least upon the social relationships, and computing an overall measurement of the social significance of the digital media asset as a function of the expected social significance of each person recorded in the asset. In addition, the method includes storing the overall measurement for each digital media asset in a processor-accessible memory system. | 05-21-2009 |
20090132265 | METHOD AND STRUCTURE FOR RAISING CHARITABLE FUNDS - A method and system for raising charitable donations in perpetuity, including the steps of: (a) having a digital memorial of an individual created and electronically stored, the memorial having a request for donations going to one or more charitable organizations; (b) having the television, radio, publication and web site rights to the memorial assigned over to an independent company; (c) presenting the memorial at the individual's funeral service and making the memorial available on the internet in perpetuity; (d) providing a plurality of means for people viewing the internet distributed memorial to make donations to said charitable organizations at any time; and (e) sublicensing the television, radio, publication and web site rights for further distribution to the public and using the sublicensing fees for additional charitable work. | 05-21-2009 |
20090132266 | WEIGHTED CONDITION PRIMITIVE FOR DESCRIPTIVE BUSINESS POLICY - A method, system, and computer program product for using weighted condition primitives to facilitate the description of a business policy for providing a web service to a user. When a set of facts associated with a user requesting a web service is obtained, an evaluation of each weighted condition primitive in a business policy is performed using the set of facts. A weight value assigned to a result of the evaluation of each weighted condition primitive is identified, and a total weight value of the identified weight values is calculated. The total weight value is then compared against a pre-defined business weight threshold condition. If the total weight value satisfies the pre-defined business weight threshold condition, the web service is provided to the user. If the total weight value does not satisfy the pre-defined business weight threshold condition, the request by the user for the web service is denied. | 05-21-2009 |
20090132267 | TRANSFER OF REWARDS BETWEEN WEBSITES - A first website earns rewards, e.g. points and items, for carrying out activities. Those rewards can be transferred to a second website. For example, a parent's website allows the parent to carry more adult tasks and also earn points. The points can be transferred to the child's website. A center of the universe website allows obtaining rewards for any of these websites. A social networking component operates across multiple websites. | 05-21-2009 |
20090132268 | Presence-based, heterogeneous device utilization analytics - The present invention uses the information gleaned from communications set-up signaling to provide business enterprises computer displays of utilization rates of presence-enabled computers, telephones, and/or other business machines. Further the present invention provides comparisons and correlations of this data to business enterprise financial data, business enterprise human resources data and business enterprise manufacturing data. These displays are provided in both real-time and historical contexts. | 05-21-2009 |
20090132269 | Permit application and issuance system - A method and system for issuing permits may include a computer network which may include a plurality of user computer access points. The access points may include an applicant access point accessible by an applicant for selecting a type of permit desired by an applicant, submitting project information relating to the government issued permit and submitting a completed permit application. The access points may also include an issuer access point accessible by an issuer for reviewing the completed permit applications. The method and system may also include a storage database, accessible through the applicant access point and the issuer access point, containing submitted information by the applicant and information disclosures the applicant is required to review prior to submitting an application for a permit. | 05-21-2009 |
20090132270 | Quote system - Methods, computer executable program instructions, and systems including program instructions are provided for use with quotes. A method embodiment includes providing a website that receives a request for quotes (RFQ) from a buyer-business. The method also includes providing control to a seller-business via the website to authorize the buyer-business to receive quotes on behalf of the seller-business. The method further includes charging a fee to the seller-businesses for quotes delivered to the buyer-business on behalf of the seller-businesses. | 05-21-2009 |
20090132271 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR IMPLEMENTING AND USING AN ELECTRONIC NETWORK-BASED VOLUNTARY CONTRIBUTION SYSTEM - The electronic network-based voluntary contribution system according to embodiments of the present invention implement a new business model for these sites that can coexist with, complement, or in some cases, replace advertising. The electronic network-based voluntary contribution system provides online content and service providers with a simple “hands-free” user-centric monetization service fueled by existing social networking services. | 05-21-2009 |
20090132272 | ELECTRONIC COMMERCE TRANSACTION AUDIT SYSTEM, ELECTRONIC COMMERCE TRANSACTION AUDIT METHOD, AND STORAGE MEDIUM RECORDING ELECTRONIC COMMERCE TRANSACTION AUDIT PROGRAM THEREON - The present invention comprises agent for gathering transaction log means for automatically collecting all exchange messages notarized and recorded depressively by a plurality of electronic notarize means in connection with the electronic commerce transaction so as to reproduce them as an event of the entire wide network area, agent for gathering protocol standards means for automatically collecting protocols of the specifications on the electronic commerce transaction, whereby correctly grasping an event to be generated in the entire wide network area, and a log analysis engine for comparing the event of the entire wide network area reproduced by the agent for gathering transaction log means with the event to be generated in the entire wide network area grasped by the agent for gathering protocol standards means, whereby carrying out an objective audit. | 05-21-2009 |
20090132273 | E-MAIL INVOKED ELECTRONIC COMMERCE - A system and method for merchant invoked electronic commerce allowing consumers to purchase items over a network and merchants to receive payment information relating to the purchases. The system includes a server having software which gathers the purchasing information from a consumer to complete a purchasing transaction over a network. The system has a consumer data structure that stores purchasing information for registered consumers. The software is able to access the consumer data structure and enter the consumer's purchasing information during subsequent purchases. Having the software obtain and enter the consumer's purchasing information, the consumer does not have to enter the same information every time they purchase an item over the network. In alternate embodiments, the same technology can be applied to other arenas where a user may have to enter the same repetitive information. In addition, consumers can register with the consumer information server prior to making purchase. In an alternate embodiment, a merchant can gather the purchasing information from a consumer and pass the information to the consumer information server to allow the consumer to register with the consumer information server. | 05-21-2009 |
20090138273 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR TRANSFORMING A BUSINESS PROCESS INTO REUSABLE SERVICES - In one aspect, the invention is directed to a method for establishing a service-oriented architecture-based business system incorporating service-oriented components based on a business process. The method involves selecting groups of business process model elements for exposure as services, preferably using a graphical user interface, and generating, using automated means, at least skeleton code towards performing the services, and generating code using automated means to establish an interface between the first and second services. | 05-28-2009 |
20090138274 | Adaptor for Soft Earning Unit - Current systems and business processes transactions deal in hard currencies. In the complete digital world, the common denominator further referred as Soft Earning Unit(s) with acronym SEU to value the products and services will be dealt only in computing devices. The invention pertains to adopt the existing application (s) including but not limited to computing application for dealing in SEU. The invention includes system and method for adapter module which takes the stimulus containing SEU and translates it to the form understandable by the existing application(s). The invention includes the claim for adapting the check mode of payment to the SEU environment. | 05-28-2009 |
20090138275 | SYSTEM FOR PRODUCT AUTHENTICATION POWERED BY PHONE TRANSMISSION - An authentication system enabling a customer to verify the authenticity of a product in a foolproof, secure and simple manner plurality of secret sets of numbers is generated, each set comprising a challenge portion and a response portion. These sets are stored on a remote server. Each set is associated with a different product. The customer sends a challenge portion to the server, and prompts the server to provide a response. If the response matches that of the product in hand, the product is known to be authentic. In another embodiment of the system, cellular transmission is used to power an electronic tag attached to the product and carrying authentication data. In a third embodiment, the full manufacturer database is divided into separate databases, possibly related to product vendor, such that an authentication process can be performed without the need to access the manufacturer's entire database of products. | 05-28-2009 |
20090138276 | PRIVACY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM USING USER'S POLICY AND PREFERENCE MATCHING - By applying a privacy policy, which describes and manages a policy for disclosure of preference information, to the preference information, it is determined whether or not to disclose some or all of the information to a third party based on classification as a result of matching by a matching system. The description of a privacy policy makes it possible to achieve a meaningful communication by disclosing preference information to others within a detailed range while keeping the preference information undisclosed if the user does not wish disclosure thereof, such as disclosing only preference information including preferences matching those of the other user or disclosing only preference information including preferences shared in a certain user group. | 05-28-2009 |
20090144065 | Requirements Management Semantics Modeling - Described is a method and system of requirements management including the expression in a requirements management tool of a relationship selected from the group consisting of a satisfaction relationship, an alternative relationship, a conflict relationship, and a content dependency relationship. | 06-04-2009 |
20090144066 | Method and System for Differential Billing - A system and method of distinguishing between transactions involving a widget and charging the same or different parties for the use, placement and content of the widget and clones of a widget based on those transactions. Such a system and method allows for differential billing for clones of widgets used on the same or different websites. Charges may be incurred based on the type of transaction and charges for the same or different transactions or the same or different uses of the same widget may be incurred by one or more customers. | 06-04-2009 |
20090144067 | Method and Apparatus for Controlling Access to Liability Exposure Data - A computer-based processing system for use in controlling access to liability exposure data contains input received from an end user. The end user declares a plurality of exposure security levels that are associated with particular liability exposure data. A permission is declared for a user and the permission is mapped to the exposure security level. Upon an attempt to access the particular liability exposure data, the system then automatically verifies whether the user attempting to access the data has the permission required to access the exposure security level correlating to the particular liability exposure data. | 06-04-2009 |
20090144068 | Methods and Apparatuses to Provide Connections for Real Time Communications - Methods and apparatuses to identify user terminals in providing connections for real time communications. In one embodiment, a method implemented on a connection server includes: establishing a first connection with a first terminal over a communication network for real time communications; in response to the first connection, assigning a first communication reference to uniquely identify the first terminal among a plurality of terminals on the communication network; establishing a second connection with a second terminal for real time communications; bridging the first and second connections to connect the first and second terminals for real time communications; and identifying the first terminal to a user of the second terminal using the first communication reference. | 06-04-2009 |
20090144069 | System and method for providing personalized service - Disclosed herein is a system for providing personalized service. The system for providing personalized service includes one or more bio-signal measurement sensors and a service terminal. The bio-signal measurement sensors measure a user's bio-signals and output the measured bio-signals over a communication network. The service terminal establishes a service provision plan based on the bio-signals, measured by the bio-signal measurement sensors, and information about characteristics of use depending on use of service by the user, and providing service. | 06-04-2009 |
20090144070 | EVALUATING PUBLIC RECORDS OF SUPPLY TRANSACTIONS - A platform facilitates buyers, sellers, and third parties in obtaining information related to each other's transaction histories, such as a supplier's shipment history, the types of materials typically shipped, a supplier's customers, a supplier's expertise, what materials and how much a buyer purchases, buyer and shipper reliability, similarity between buyers, similarity between suppliers, and the like. The platform aggregates data from a variety of sources, including, without limitation, customs data associated with actual import/export transactions and facilitates the generation of reports as to the quality of buyers and suppliers, the reports relating to a variety of parameters that are associated with buyer and supplier quality. | 06-04-2009 |
20090144071 | INFORMATION PROCESSING TERMINAL, METHOD FOR INFORMATION PROCESSING, AND PROGRAM - An information processing terminal includes an acquiring unit configured to acquire biological information concerning a biological reaction of a user to each content block during playback of the content block, a group specifying unit configured to specify a group of content blocks, to which the user has similar biological reactions during playback, on the basis of the biological information acquired through the acquiring unit, a recommended content specifying unit configured to specify as recommended content a content block belonging to the same group as that to which a reference content block belongs, and a recommending unit configured to present information concerning the recommended content specified by the recommended content specifying unit to the user. | 06-04-2009 |
20090144072 | CONTENT PROVIDING/OBTAINING SYSTEM - A content providing apparatus previously receives customer identification information and content identification information as customer reservation information via a terminal device, and sends customer desired content data corresponding to the content identification information to a content obtaining apparatus, so as to provide a customer with the customer desired content data via the content obtaining apparatus more easily, thus making it possible to significantly improve the usability of a content obtaining/providing system. In addition, a content providing server sends three-dimensional images to a portable dedicated terminal in response to a preview request sent from the portable dedicated terminal to display it, and then sends commercial data corresponding to a preview request sent according to the display state of the three-dimensional images to reproduce it, so as to make the customer view and preview the content to allow the customer to accurately judge whether the content meets his/her taste, thus making it possible to select content data lightheartedly. | 06-04-2009 |
20090144073 | Probability adjustment of a virtual world loss event - Embodiments include an apparatus, device, system, computer-program product, and method. In an embodiment, a computer-implemented system includes a virtual world in which a participant may participate and that includes a loss event having a likelihood of occurrence. The computer-implemented system also includes a record of a protected loss corresponding to the loss event, the protected loss described in an agreement that includes an obligation to provide a benefit to the participant upon an occurrence of the protected loss suffered in the virtual world by the participant. The computer-implemented system further includes a loss event regulator module operable to change the likelihood of occurrence of the loss event in response to the protected loss. | 06-04-2009 |
20090144074 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR STREAMLINED REGISTRATION OF ELECTRONIC PRODUCTS OVER A COMMUNICATION NETWORK AND FOR VERIFICATION AND MANAGEMENT OF INFORMATION RELATED THERETO - The system and method of the present invention provide integrated or embedded components, for electronic (or other) products, each operable to securely store and selectively provide access to, a unique ID (UID) previously assigned to its corresponding specific product, where the UID of each product is registered with one or more particular UID registration centers over at least one communication network, and associated with one or more data records stored in a corresponding database file at the particular UID registration center, the data records being inclusive of information related to the product, the product purchase history, current ownership, etc., and wherein one or more authorized parties may subsequently advantageously utilize at least one UID (and optionally a verifier) to access, verify, edit, transfer, transmit, and/or otherwise manage at least one information item related to the one or more corresponding registered products in their UID registration center database file. Also provided is an optimized process for verifiable transfer of ownership rights between a product's authorized owner and intended recipient, the transfer process being implemented over at least one communication network with graphical user interfaces provided for each party, where the transfer of ownership rights involves association of the product's UID with the receiving party's data record and confirming ownership transfer, and optional transfer of additional product-related information from the former product owner to the current recipient. | 06-04-2009 |
20090144075 | Adaptive Social Network Management - A computer-implemented system and method of adaptive social network management is disclosed. The social networks comprise a network of computer-implemented objects representing people and may include content that has a relation to one or more of the people. The adaptive social network management system provides functions to generate social network metrics associated with people that are determined derivatively from interactions with objects that have a relationship with the corresponding people. The adaptive social network management system can also generate affinities among computer-implemented objects that represent people from inferences of the interests of the people. Social network representations are generated and applied that include the social network metrics and/or affinities. | 06-04-2009 |
20090144076 | Methods and Systems for Performing Horological Functions in Commercial Transactions Using Time Cells - A method and system for controlling a commercial transaction is presented. An article of manufacture has a time cell that is read by an electronic apparatus. In response to a determination of a state of the time cell by the electronic apparatus, usage of the article of manufacture in a commercial transaction is enabled or denied based on the determined state of the time cell. The expiration period of a time cell controls the time period during which the commercial transaction is enabled or is denied to be performed; an unexpired time cell may both enable or deny performance of a commercial transaction, and an expired time cell may also both enable or deny performance of a commercial transaction. The time cell may be used to restrict the usage period of a coupon, a promotional offer, a pre-paid service, or some other commercial transaction that involves an article of manufacture. | 06-04-2009 |
20090150166 | HIRING PROCESS BY USING SOCIAL NETWORKING TECHNIQUES TO VERIFY JOB SEEKER INFORMATION - The present invention discloses a network accessible software application that includes an interface permitting a set of profile providers to input personal biographical information, which includes job history information and education information. The application can also include an interface enabling a set of commentators to view biographical information provided by the set of profile providers and to add input regarding this information. Software of the application can establish/calculate at least one verification score against the personal biographical information based at least in part upon the added input from the set of commentators. Further software can convey the personal information along with the verification score to a set of profile consumers. At least a portion of the commentators can have a social networking connection to the profile providers for whom the added input is provided. | 06-11-2009 |
20090150167 | METHOD FOR ORGANIZING DATA PRESENTED TO A USER IN A VEHICLE - A method for organizing data presented to a user in a vehicle includes monitoring, at a call center, a routine of the user. Monitoring takes into account a then-current day, a then-current time of day, a then-current vehicle location, and a point of interest associated with the routine. At least one point of interest parameter, a time of day parameter, a day parameter, and a vehicle location boundary is generated based on the user's routine. The method further includes recognizing that the user is outside the vehicle location boundary on a day associated with the day parameter and at a time associated with the time of day parameter. The call center generates at least one datum based on the at least one point of interest parameter and a then-current location of the vehicle, and transmits the at least one datum to a telematics unit operatively disposed in the vehicle. | 06-11-2009 |
20090150168 | Litigation document management - Software for litigation document management is communicably coupled with a rules repository. The example software is operable to identify a litigation matter. The software can then execute an electronic discovery process across a plurality of object types for the identified litigation matter to identify relevant objects using the rules repository, where the electronic discovery process operable to automatically discover relationships among a plurality of the relevant objects perhaps in response to user input. The software is further operable to place a legal hold on at least a first of the relevant objects. The software can then visualize information for at least a portion of the relevant objects. | 06-11-2009 |
20090150169 | Document acquisition and authentication system - A document acquisition and authentication system comprising a web-based application that on behalf of its users can automatically: a) collect Digital Documents, b) create standardized descriptive metadata related to each Digital Document, c) use that descriptive metadata to organize, sort, and filter the collected Digital Documents, d) collect and create evidence that third party users can use to judge the authenticity of particular Digital Documents, e) protect the users privacy during the collection, storage, and sharing of the Digital Documents. The web-based application provides users with functionalities including user management, Source management, automatic and manual document acquisition, and document management and sharing. The System can receive Digital Documents that users manually upload into it and it enables users to manually enter standardized descriptive metadata. The System can then automatically handle the other functions for the Digital Documents. | 06-11-2009 |
20090150170 | Method and apparatus for fraud reduction and product recovery - Certain exemplary embodiments relate to techniques for fraud reduction and/or product recovery. For example, in certain exemplary embodiments, a database includes a plurality of product entries, with each product entry having at least a status field associated therewith. A first interface to the database is configured to enable a first authorized user to add product entries and/or change the status identifiers of the product entries. A second interface to the database is configured to enable a second authorized user to input information regarding a product to be checked against the database to determine whether it was legitimately acquired. Product checking programmed logic circuitry is configured to determine whether the product to be checked was legitimately acquired. The second interface is further configured to provide an indication to the second authorized user whether the product was legitimately acquired. | 06-11-2009 |
20090150171 | Automatic e-mail delivery, mutli-media marketing software program - The present invention is a marketing program system that has a database storing critical action dates, inputted by individuals requesting information, that trigger automatic deliveries from program system users' media files and generic media files to requesting individuals. It is hosted on a server with protected login accessibility by participating businesses and has numerous functions to follow the logical progress from inquiry, sale and repeat business, continuing to serve the individual until they opt-out. The functions are triggered both automatically and/or manually by participating program users with cancellation and deletion capability. The program is customer friendly and intended to assist a customer or potential customer by delivering information requested in a timely manner. An individual must have access to a computer and e-mail address to receive the deliveries since the deliveries are primarily static or static & flash presentations, PDF documents, Word documents and other electronic media delivered via e-mail. | 06-11-2009 |
20090157414 | METHOD FOR CALENDAR DRIVEN DECISIONS IN WEB CONFERENCES - A method for associating a calendar invitation for a calendar event to a web conference for a web conference event is provided. Invitees of a calendar invitation for a calendar event are received and are detected. The invitees of the calendar event are associated to a web conference event. Modifications relating to the invitees of the calendar event are detected. Modifications relating to the invitees of the calendar event are propagated to the web conference event, and the web conference event synchronizes with the calendar event. Modifications relating to the web conference event for the web conference are detected. Modifications relating to the web conference event are propagated to the calendar event, and the calendar event synchronizes with the web conference event. The invitees of the calendar invitation include first, second, and/or third tiers, and the tiers relate to user roles and privileges, such as a hidden or anonymous presence. | 06-18-2009 |
20090157415 | ASSOCIATING AN ONLINE PUBLICATION WITH A PRINT PUBLICATION - This document discusses, among other things, a system and methods for associating an online publication with a print publication. Example embodiments may include receiving a request from a publisher that may identify first data that is to be published over a network, in an online publication. In response to the request, example embodiments may include fetching the first data and generating further data based on the first data. The further data may include an address to locate the online publication as published. The publisher may be allowed to publish the further data as a print publication. Subsequent to the print publication of the further data, example embodiments may include receiving the string of characters over the network from a user. Example embodiments may include presenting the online publication to the user based on the string of characters. | 06-18-2009 |
20090157416 | Converting documents - A method of converting a document, such as a document complying with the CEN-XFS standard for Forms. The method comprises accessing format parameters; reading information from the document; parsing the read information to detect attributes and text; identifying any detected attributes not consistent with the accessed format parameters; converting any identified attributes not consistent with the accessed format parameters into attributes consistent with the accessed format parameters; and creating a converted document in which all of the attributes conform to the accessed format parameters. | 06-18-2009 |
20090157417 | Systems and methods for detecting click fraud - A method for detecting click fraud. In one embodiment, the method includes the steps of: directing a user to an item but delaying the internal ratings update of the item; collecting data to build a model of the user; building the model of the user in response to the collected data; determining the trustworthiness of the user in response to the model of the user; and updating internal ratings of the item in response to the trustworthiness of the user. In various embodiments, the click fraud can be the inflation of advertisement clicks, the inflation of popularity or the inflation of reputation. | 06-18-2009 |
20090157418 | Method And System For Obtaining Geographic Location Information - Location data corresponding to the geographic location of a particular event is obtained in response to information concerning the event and received at a computing device present at the geographic location. The geographic location information is used to produce a map or other visual display corresponding to the event and to the geographic location thus obtained. The geographic location information may be obtained from any appropriate source such as a GPS receiver or wireless system capable of providing geographic location information with accuracy acceptable to the particular application. The GPS receiver or other source of geographic location information may be incorporated into the computing device, or may comprise a separate element operationally interrelated so as to obtain the current geographic location information in response to entering the event information at the computing device. | 06-18-2009 |
20090157419 | CONTEXTUAL EXECUTION OF AUTOMATED WORKFLOWS - An enterprise geospatial intelligence service oriented architecture (EGI-SOA) provides a consumer with one or more tailored products in response to either a dynamic request or a standing request by the consumer. | 06-18-2009 |
20090157420 | POSTAL PACKAGE DELIVERY SYSTEM - The present invention relates to a Postal package delivery system for forwarding a packet from a sender towards a destination through a postal network where the postal network comprises a plurality of postal nodes for sorting and forwarding the package through said network via at least one node of said plurality of postal nodes towards the destination. The forwarding of the package is based on the address of said destination, where a tag associating device is able to associate a tag of the package flexibly with a physical address of a plurality of addresses of said destination. | 06-18-2009 |
20090157421 | EXTENDED MANUFACTURING ENVIRONMENT - An extended manufacturing environment can receive, at a manufacturer's server, a communication from a customer of the manufacturer, automatically process the communication, and automatically transmit an order for supplies to a supplier of the supplies. The supplies, which are needed by the manufacturer to manufacture at least one product for the customer, can be directly ordered by the customer, without the customer having to wait for the manufacturer's approval. | 06-18-2009 |
20090164228 | Methods and Systems For Strategy Deployment - Methods and systems for strategy deployment are described. One embodiment includes a method having the steps of automatically generating a matrix associated with a business strategy, the matrix comprising a plurality of levels, each one of the plurality of levels comprising a plurality of directions, each one of the plurality of directions comprising a strategic item; automatically linking each one of the plurality of levels of the matrix associated with the strategic item; and causing the matrix to be displayed. | 06-25-2009 |
20090164229 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MANAGING ADD-ON SALES AT A VEHICLE DEALERSHIP - An application for a system for managing add-ons at a vehicle dealership includes a dealer management computer system for managing processes of a vehicle dealership and an exchange system server interfaced to the dealer management computer system. There are a set of deals stored on the exchange system server, each deal comprising a multiple add-on product offerings. Several providers exist, each provider being associated with at least one of the product offerings. Several terminal computer systems are interfaced to the dealer management computer system for order entry, etc. Software associates one of the deals with a vehicle purchase and separates each deal into component product offerings and for each of the component product offerings, sends a sale confirmation for the component product offering to an associated provider of the plurality of providers. | 06-25-2009 |
20090164230 | Method for transporting checked airline passenger baggage with enhanced security and efficiency - An airline baggage system is disclosed that improves security, efficiency, and comfort and saves cost on commercial passenger flights by transporting all checked baggage on a separate vehicle, not on the aircraft carrying the passengers, the separate vehicle being supplied and operated by entities at least affiliated with the airline. The baggage vehicle can be an aircraft, a truck, a train, etc, and can simultaneously carry baggage from a plurality of flights. A baggage delivery service can transport baggage to and from airports, and baggage handlers can accept baggage dropped off and/or deliver baggage picked up at airports. In some embodiments, checked baggage is delivered at least one hour before passenger arrival. In embodiments where checked baggage transportation requires more time than the passenger flight, for example two days, baggage can be checked before departure and picked up upon arrival, or checked upon departure and picked up after arrival. | 06-25-2009 |
20090164231 | Fee management system - A system is taught for out-sourced management of educational institution fee arrangements that reduce the contacts with a responsible party of a student during the finalization of fee payment arrangements to a single contact. Specifically, the invention includes a system that includes a means for providing a single personalized communication with a responsible party. The single communication includes a third party fee management agreement and at least one of a group consisting of a fee notification and an educational institution payment agreement. | 06-25-2009 |
20090164232 | MORTGAGE FRAUD DETECTION SYSTEMS AND METHODS - Mortgage fraud detection systems and methods are provided. A fraud detection system can generally comprise a database operator, a database manager, one or more users, and a database. Database components can be implemented as hardware, software, or a combination of both. A fraud detection method can generally comprise providing a database for maintaining a plurality of records. Data records can be continually received by a database in batchwise or single submission protocols. Records can be compared to determine whether they contain common data in one or more predetermined fields. If records contain common data in one or more predetermined fields, records can be examined for inconsistencies in one or more other data fields. Discovered inconsistencies and magnitudes of inconsistencies can be warning signs of fraud. Results of comparisons can be reported to system users to enable such users to investigate additional circumstances. Other embodiments and features are also claimed and described in the application. | 06-25-2009 |
20090164233 | Electronic Message Filter - The present invention is directed to a method and system for identifying content in an unsent electronic message composed by a sender affiliated with a business, wherein the content is potentially not authorized by the business or potentially harmful to the business. An electronic screening toot is applied to the unsent electronic message prior to transmission of the unsent electronic message from a server, associated with the business, to the recipient. The electronic screening tool is programmed to identify content that is potentially not authorized by the business or potentially harmful to the business. The sender's request to transmit the electronic message to the recipient may be automatically cancelled and/or expunged from the server if the output of the electronic screening tool indicates that the unsent electronic message contains content that is potentially not authorized by the business or potentially harmful to the business. | 06-25-2009 |
20090164234 | LIVESTOCK TRACKING SYSTEM AND METHOD - A livestock tracking system includes the collection of animal data upon loading of the livestock for transport and the collection of similar data upon unloading, thereby monitoring and tracking same. Livestock is transported from a grouped plurality to individual animals capable of being weighed and then put into transport containers. Each transport container is readily identifiable throughout the process such that upon the unloading of the livestock the information pertaining to the livestock within each container can be compared to data collected upon loading and therefore traced. While the most important data is weight, other measurements may be utilized. A method incorporating this system is also disclosed. | 06-25-2009 |
20090164235 | Guest Account Life Cycle - The present disclosure provides systems and methods for managing accounts within a network community. Briefly described in architecture, some embodiments of such a system provide an account server to manage direct accounts for resident users of the network community and guest accounts for guests of the resident users. In addition, a client of a respective resident user of the network community is configured to send to a non-resident user of the network community an invitation to become a guest of the respective resident user. Other systems and methods are also provided. | 06-25-2009 |
20090171678 | PROTECTING DOMAIN NAMES FROM UNDESIRED TRANSFER - Systems and methods are disclosed for protecting a domain name during a sale of shares of equity in the domain name. Prior to and during the sale of shares of equity in the domain name, the domain name is moved into a holding account as collateral for the sale of shares of equity. This protection may include registrar protection, such as expiration protection or hijack protection, or legal protection and rights such as trademark protection (including specialized ICANN protections) and copyright protection. The domain owner may also make use of an Internet-related business setup, including e-commerce and web content design, development, coding and configuration. | 07-02-2009 |
20090171679 | BUSINESS DATA ACCESS CLIENT FOR ONLINE/OFFLINE CLIENT USE - Architecture for uninterrupted access to business data by enabling work on rich client machines to be stored in a local business data cache that is always available. A dispatching mechanism executes read/write requests against the local cache transparently to a client application, an automatic synchronization mechanism propagates changes bi-directionally when the client goes online and a live connection with the corresponding backend data source is available. A declarative data access model is employed based on operation stereotyping and grouping that enables client applications to transparently execute create, read, update, delete, query (CRUDQ) and association operations against the local cache as if executed against the actual business data source. The architecture supports the offline creation of entities and sets of related entities when the entity identifiers are generated by the business data source and offline navigation of entity associations when foreign keys are not present in the related entities. | 07-02-2009 |
20090171680 | METHOD AND SYSTEM OF LISTING ITEMS - Described herein are a method and a system to suggest information for one or more items offered for sale by sellers in a network-based market place. One or more keywords associated with an item to be listed may be received from a seller. The one or more keywords may be used to search for matching information stored in a database. The matching information may be presented to the seller to be selected. When the seller modifies the suggested matching information, the modified version of the matching information may be stored in the database. | 07-02-2009 |
20090171681 | ENTERTAINER CARD SYSTEM AND METHOD - An entertainer fan service method comprises providing electronic access to a fan to a network service, and providing features associated with one or more entertainers on the network service, the entertainer being associated with a club. Providing electronic access may include providing an access code to the fan, the access code corresponding to one or more entertainers associated with the club. Providing electronic access may include providing an access card to the fan, the access card including a computer-readable medium having computer code to allow the fan to access the network service. | 07-02-2009 |
20090171682 | Contactless prepaid Product For Transit Fare Collection - Transaction processing in an offline environment for a prepaid product comprising a portable consumer device includes responding to presentation of the prepaid product at a reader for offline processing by initiating operation of the prepaid product, receiving data from the prepaid product at the reader that indicates the prepaid product is associated with a prepaid account balance, determining that the prepaid product is in a negative balance condition, and taking preventive action in response to the negative balance condition such that future acceptance of the prepaid product at a reader is prevented. | 07-02-2009 |
20090171683 | Use of Constraints to Enforce Complex Payment Policies - A method of using constrained payments to enforce complex payment policies in electronic commerce (e-commerce) systems. An order capture component generates at least a first relationship object that corresponds to a first payment constraint rule. If an order item is placed in a shopping cart, and if the order item is associated with one or more payment constraint rules, and if one or more pre-conditions corresponding to the one or more payment constraint rules are satisfied, then the order capture component implements the one or more payment constraint rules. If one or more post-conditions corresponding to the one or more payment constraint rules are satisfied, then the order capture component submits a purchasing order from the shopping cart that includes the order item, such that the order item is constrained by the one or more payment constraint rules. | 07-02-2009 |
20090171684 | ENHANCED ON-DEMAND DIAGNOSTIC AND MAINTENANCE REPORTING - A system and method for providing enhanced diagnostic and maintenance reporting for a vehicle over a wireless communication system. When receiving a telephone call from a subscriber requesting diagnostic assistance, a data connection is established between a call center and the subscriber's vehicle, and the needed diagnostic data is obtained by the call center so that an advisor at the call center can provide the requested assistance. The established data connection is also used to obtain additional data from the vehicle related to vehicle maintenance and this additional data is used by the advisor to provide an enhanced response to the subscriber. | 07-02-2009 |
20090171685 | Approval Repository - A method and system are used to seek required approvals at various steps of a reconciliation process. A framework is created by which an end user can request for some of the key administrative maintenances done on a reconciliation application, along with an approval hierarchy being followed. A complete audit trail is maintained for what entity requested, approved and executed the request. | 07-02-2009 |
20090171686 | USING SOCIAL NETWORK INFORMATION AND TRANSACTION INFORMATION - Among other things, a user can determine, from aggregated transaction data, private information about a transaction of another party. The other party is associated, in a shared social network database, as a contact with the user. The activity of the other party is related to an activity or contemplated activity of the user. The private information is from a source that is controlled independently of the shared social network database and the aggregated transaction data. | 07-02-2009 |
20090171687 | Identifying Industry Passionate Consumers - Transaction-level data and size of wallet data may be used to identify industry passionate consumers. In an embodiment, industry passionate consumers are identified based on a ratio of spend within an industry to total spend of the consumer. In another embodiment, industry passionate consumers are identified based on a modeling of the consumer's wallet and determining the ratio of spend within an industry to total spend of the consumer. The consumers may be ranked according to their ratios, with the consumers having the highest ratios being identified as industry passionate consumers. | 07-02-2009 |
20090171688 | Information Communication System, Facility Apparatus, User Device, Management Apparatus, Vehicle Apparatus, Facility Program, User Program, Management Program, And Vehicle Program - A user device notifies a facility apparatus of the user driving status in the vehicle. The facility apparatus receives that notification and exchanges status information with a management apparatus to specify a service corresponding to the driving status indicated by the status information. The facility apparatus notifies the user carrying the user device of candidate services for the specified service. By notifying the facility apparatus via the user device with information such as the driving status (status information) in the vehicle, information on candidate services to provide to the user can be reported for efficient usage of information. | 07-02-2009 |
20090171689 | Process and software for distribution of communications in a relational context utilizing the Internet - A process and software for the distribution of communications in a relational context utilizing the Internet with the steps of: Each person sends an electronic newsletter to their list of personal/business contacts, each person's profile is carried on the newsletter of the first level (Parent 1) person he is in relation to, each person's profile is carried on the newsletter of the second level (Parent 2) person he is in relation to, each person's profile is carried on the newsletter of the third level (Parent 3) person he is in relation to, each person's profile is carried on the newsletter of the fourth level (Parent 4) person he is in relation to, and each person's profile is carried on the newsletter of the fifth level (Parent 5) person he is in relation to. | 07-02-2009 |
20090171690 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR A WEB-BASED PEOPLE DIRECTORY - An online system and a method for a web-based people directory provides for collaborative updating of the directory information. The method includes creating profile templates for each person on earth and storing these profile templates in a central database ( | 07-02-2009 |
20090171691 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR A WEB-BASED SOCIAL NETWORKING DATABASE - An online system and a method for a web-based social networking database that allows collaborative updating of the social network information. The method includes creating profile templates for each person within a group and storing these profile templates in a central database. Next, populating the profile templates with publicly available basic information and then publishing the public profile information in the web-based social network application. Users login into the social network application, update their profile information and upload their personal social network information. The system then cross-correlates and matches the social network information from the users' personal profiles to the social network information listed in other persons' profiles. The personal social network information includes names, contact information, pictures and stories of the users' personal contacts. | 07-02-2009 |
20090177480 | System And Method For Identifying Targeted Consumers Using Partial Social Security Numbers - A system and method are used to identify a targeted consumer. The system includes a partial social security number (SSN) system that identifies a partial SSN issued during a preselected time period and a marketing database system. The marketing database system receives a comparison result from a SSN matching system that identifies at least one individual in a consumer database having a partial SSN that matches the partial SSN identified by the partial SSN system. The marketing database system places identifying information of the at least one individual in a marketing database. In one method, an individual is identified as a targeted consumer based on the individual's age being within a preselected age range and the individual's social security number being issued within a predetermined social security number SSN issue date range. Identifying information of the targeted consumer is stored in a contact database, which a business may use to directly market its goods or services. | 07-09-2009 |
20090177481 | Method and system of wireless quality for fee - A method of selecting and receiving enhanced wireless service is provided in association with a wireless device. The method comprises designating at least one device number to receive a communication; selecting at least one feature of the enhanced wireless service and receiving the selected at least one feature in connection with the communication. The method may be provided in connection with different types of communications including voice, text, video and picture data. The enhanced wireless service may be automatically provided in connection with a service contract or the enhanced wireless service may be selected for each outgoing or incoming communication. | 07-09-2009 |
20090177482 | Method of improving concrete production by monitoring weather conditions - In a concrete preparation and pouring process, concrete quality and batch consistency is improved by monitoring weather conditions at one or more locations relating to the process and taking the weather conditions into account in adjusting variables in the preparation and pouring process. | 07-09-2009 |
20090177483 | System and method for facilitating the establishment and operations of a professional service organization - A system and method of facilitating the establishment and operations of a professional services organization governed by rules of professional conduct that prohibit obtaining investments from non-licensed investors. The method compromises establishing a stand-alone, turn-key solution company to provide necessary services to one or more professional service organizations. These services are paid for by the professional service company and classified as expenses, not profit sharing which is prohibited by various jurisdictions' rules of professional conduct or codes of professional responsibility. The turn-key solution company is then able to be owned by shareholders who are not themselves licensed professionals. This results in outside equity investments with predictable cash flow and returns without running afoul of any applicable professional codes or rules. Such capital infusion allows the professional services entity to grow and capture market share in a manner that would be highly difficult or impossible solely through organic or internal funding. | 07-09-2009 |
20090177484 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MESSAGE CLUSTERING - The disclosure describes systems and methods delivering communications associated with delivery conditions in which the occurrence of the delivery condition is determined by monitoring information received from a plurality of sources via multiple communication channels. The message delivery systems allow messages to be delivered to any “Who, What, When, Where” from any “Who, What, When, Where” upon the detection of an occurrence of one or more “Who, What, When, Where” delivery conditions. A message (which may be any data object including text-based messages, audio-based message such as voicemail or other audio such as music or video-based prerecorded messages) is delivered in accordance with delivery conditions based on any available data, including topical, spatial, temporal, and/or social data. Furthermore, because the systems coordinate delivery of messages via multiple communication channels and through multiple devices, the communication channel for delivery of a message may be dynamically determined based on the delivery conditions. | 07-09-2009 |
20090177485 | METHOD OF ESTABLISHING INTERPERSONAL RELATIONS, AND SUITABLE DEVICE TO IMPLEMENT SUCH A METHOD - A method of establishing interpersonal relations comprises emission by a first user of an availability signal, reception of a correlation signal by a potential conversation partner, and establishment of a mutual assent for a meeting between the first user and the potential conversation partner; the step of establishing the mutual assent comprises a sub-step of determining a margin time for the reply within which the correlation signal can be received by the transceiver device of the first user | 07-09-2009 |
20090177486 | System and method for conducting a location based search - A system and method for conducting a location based search for event cartridges is provided. A database of cartridges is maintained. Each cartridge includes a sequence of triggerable events and origin geolocational data for a start location for execution of the triggerable events. A server is operatively coupled to the database and interfaces to a user device having a display and user input controls. A user request from the user device is processed. The user request, including a location of the user device, is received. The cartridges are searched by comparing the location of the user device and the start location for each cartridge. Those cartridges with the start location proximate to the location of the user device are selected. The selected cartridges are provided to the user device as a menu on the display and are further selectable through the user input controls. | 07-09-2009 |
20090177487 | Methods for Assessing Genetic Compatibility - The invention relates to a method of constructing a compatibility profile for an individual based on a data set including alleles corresponding to four or more human leukocyte antigen (HLA) loci and optionally the AVPR1A locus and assigning an encoded reference to each allele in the data set. The invention further relates to methods for evaluating the compatibility of two individuals for sexual satisfaction and/or long term relationship potential based on their compatibility profiles. | 07-09-2009 |
20090187412 | CORRELATION/RELATIONSHIP AND FORECASTING GENERATOR - A method, system and computer readable recording medium for forecasting financial data and economic data correlations including and executing the steps of selecting, from a database storing a plurality of data types, two or more two or more data types for forecasting, analyzing the two data types to determine the period of the data points in each selected data type, standardizing the time period of the selected data types to create time standardized data sets, converting the time standardized data sets into year over year percentage changes to create year over year data sets, creating a correlation matrix of the standardized year over year data sets, to determine the correlation coefficients between each of the selected two or more data types, and displaying the correlation matrix. | 07-23-2009 |
20090187413 | SERVICE DELIVERY PLATFORM FOR AUTOMATED AND REMOTE INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY MANAGEMENT - An apparatus for providing remote services to an integrated information technology environment. The information technology environment comprises a services appliance. The services appliance provides agent-less monitoring of information handling systems within the information technology environment. The apparatus comprises a remote management platform. The remote management platform comprises a service delivery platform and a network operations center. The service delivery platform receives services information from the services appliance, analyzes the services information and determines a response based upon the services information. The service delivery platform provides the response to the network operations center. The network operation center proactively initiates the response based upon the services information. | 07-23-2009 |
20090187414 | METHODS AND APPARATUS TO RECRUIT PERSONNEL - Methods and apparatus to recruit personnel are disclosed. A disclosed example recruiting system includes an electronic test administrator to present a test to a candidate and to record at least one of the candidate's answers to the test; and a recruiter interface to provide a recruiter with access to the at least one of the candidate's answers, to facilitate manual scoring of the at least one of the candidate's answers and to receive an assessment of the candidate's speaking voice. | 07-23-2009 |
20090187415 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR VALIDATING A SERVICE ORDER - Disclosed is a method and system for receiving a service order having a service order parameter and a service type of the service order and determining a set of services based on the service order parameter and the service type. A service validation rule set is fetched based on the service type, the set of services is evaluated with the service validation rule set to generate an evaluation result and a service order proposal matching the service order is generated based on the evaluation result. | 07-23-2009 |
20090187416 | Fuel Station Apparatus and Method for Utilizing the Same - An apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus includes a housing, one or more fluid tanks disposed within the housing, a fluid modification network in fluid communication with the one or more fluid tanks, one or more dispenser nozzles each including a hose that are connected to and in fluid communication with the fluid modification network, and a controller connected to fluid modification network. A method for operating an apparatus is also disclosed. A method associated with the operation of an apparatus is also disclosed. | 07-23-2009 |
20090187417 | Age and Identity Verification for Online Creative Works - A computer-implemented method of verifying the age and/or identity of a participant in a digital creative work to be published includes storing a participant profile in memory, confirming a date of birth (DOB) input by the participant in the participant profile, and identifying the digital creative work. A date of production (DOP) associated with the creative work is determined, an age at the time of production (ATOP) for the participant is determined based on DOB and DOP, and the digital creative work is published over a network, if the ATOP exceeds a predetermined threshold. | 07-23-2009 |
20090192807 | Identification of specialty drugs - Methods for determining whether a drug is a specialty drug, methods for creating tools to be used in making the determination, and the tools themselves are disclosed. The overall value of a drug depends on the drug's attribute values with respect to each of a set of drug attributes (concerning, e.g., the drug's route of administration, targeted disease, possible adverse reactions, risk of toxicity, cost, need for patient compliance with the treatment regime, and handling, preparation, and/or storage requirements. If the overall value or its partial overall values meet certain criteria, the drug is deemed to be a specialty drug. | 07-30-2009 |
20090192808 | Method and Device for Providing a Personal Product Recommendation - The invention disclosed provides a device and method for recommending at least a product or a plurality of products to a user based at least in part on opinion-based criteria. The invention proceeds by first choosing a plurality of products in a category. At least one product in the category is associated with at least one rating. The rating comprises a rating of a plurality of criteria, and the plurality of criteria comprises opinion-based criteria. In the next step of the method of the invention, a calculation of product recommendability of the plurality of products is made (caused to be made) based on a selection by at least one user of an importance level of a plurality of criteria. Then at least one product recommendation is provided (received) based on the selection by at least one user of an importance level of a plurality of criteria and the opinion-based criteria. | 07-30-2009 |
20090192809 | METHOD FOR PREDICTING CHURNERS IN A TELECOMMUNICATIONS NETWORK - Data pertaining to interactions between a plurality of customers is obtained. A graph is formed, having a plurality of nodes representing the customers and a plurality of edges representing interactions between the customers. A sub-set of the customers are denoted as previously churned customers. A spreading activation model is applied to the graph to identify, based on the graph and the previously churned customers, the potential churning customers. | 07-30-2009 |
20090192810 | FRAUD DETECTION SYSTEM & METHOD - Methods and systems are disclosed for combining the results from multiple fraud detection devices into a single, ordered list of suspect items. The confidence value for each suspect item identified by each fraud detection process may be calculated. Calculated confidence values may be refined by resealing the confidence value. The confidence value of items from multiple lists may then be further refined using a voting process. Use of a voting process takes into account the determinations of each of the fraud detection processes in order to calculate or refine the confidence values associated with each suspect item. After conducting the voting process, the suspect items may be combined into a single suspect list. The new suspect list may be ordered by confidence values. Additionally, the expected loss of each item may be calculated for each suspect item. Suspect lists may also be ordered according to expected loss. | 07-30-2009 |
20090192811 | BUSINESS MODEL FOR COMPUTER RENT CENTER - A business model is provided, which includes computing zones, computers, food zones, an entrance, and a rest zone. The computing zone includes furniture and networking connectors. The computer is disposed in the computing zone and connected to the networking connectors. The furniture are customized with visual indications according to computing power of the computer and speed of the networking connectors. The computers are connected to each other through an internal network which is connected to an Internet. The food zones are at locations accessible from the computing zones. The entrance is close to one of the food zones such that a user of the computing zones passes by the food zones to get to the computer. The rest zone is close to the computing zones such that a user of the food zones passes by at least one of the computing zones. | 07-30-2009 |
20090192812 | Wall Street Rating System, Method, and Apparatus - While several services offer ratings of different investment firms, these have little value when it comes to evaluating the actual quality of the individuals an investor or businessman will be working with. Given the vast size of the financial services firms, and the wide variation in their employees, the quality of the individual is often far more important than the identity of their employer. That is as true for the individual seeking an investment advisor as the business seeking a trustworthy team to manage their merger, acquisition, or IPO. As a result, individuals and businesses too often have to rely on the word of mouth information from other people (friends and family members) who do not have good grounds for comparison, and who may provide recommendations to help out their investment advisor, or to give the impression that they are achieving high rates of return. Our current service (solution) addresses this problem and need. There is no other service or procedure available that has the elements similar to ours, mentioned here. | 07-30-2009 |
20090192813 | INFORMATION TRANSFER THROUGH OPTICAL CHARACTER RECOGNITION - A medical data receiver configured to optically capture medical data, extract the medical data from the optical capture as alphanumeric characters, and provide the alphanumeric medical data for analysis. | 07-30-2009 |
20090192814 | Method for updating metadata on write once media containing digital audio and/or video - Write once media is used to store many different versions of metadata along with recorded video program. The metadata can be written many times over, for example once for each renter. The metadata can include rental information, or movie trailers, or other information. | 07-30-2009 |
20090192815 | Initiating A Service Call For A Hardware Malfunction In A Point Of Sale System - Methods, apparatus, and products are disclosed for initiating a service call for a hardware malfunction in a POS system, the POS system having a POS controller domains, the POS controller domain composed of a POS controller and one or more POS terminals, the POS controller operatively coupled to a service dispatcher for a hardware service provider, that include: detecting, by a POS operating system installed on the POS controller, a hardware error within the POS controller domain, the hardware error described by hardware error data; notifying, by the POS operating system, a system administrator of the detected hardware error in dependence upon the hardware error data; generating, by the POS operating system, a service request message in dependence upon the hardware error data; and transferring, by the POS operating system, the service request message to the service dispatcher, the service dispatcher initiating a service call by the hardware service provider. | 07-30-2009 |
20090192816 | System and method for assisting contributors - A management system for managing, streamlining and automating the process of obtaining contributions for philanthropic entities (e.g., charities and other non-profit organizations), wherein user friendly Internet based processes are provided to (potential and actual) contributors that substantially eases the burden on such contributors in, e.g., contributing to such entities via planned giving or estate planning. For each of the philanthropic entities, the management system automates and facilitates the marketing and estate planning aspects for obtaining contributions in a manner that is consistent with the avowed beliefs and/or values of the entity, and that provides potential and actual contributors with contacts to professionals that also share the beliefs and/or values of the entity. | 07-30-2009 |
20090192817 | Method and Portable Device for Management of Electronic Receipts - A system for managing electronic receipts is provided. According to one aspect, the system includes a portable device, a base device, a user device and an electronic receipts administration system. The electronic receipts administration system provides the base device with the appropriate data to allow the base device to generate, store and manage electronic receipts accordingly. A user uses the portable device to conduct a transaction with the base device. The base device uses a variety of information to generate an electronic receipt for the transaction. Such information includes, for example, information stored on the portable device, information stored locally on the base device and information stored on another device such as an electronic cash register. The electronic receipt is then stored on the portable device. The user device allows the user to subsequently retrieve the electronic receipt for management purposes. | 07-30-2009 |
20090198502 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR AUTOMATED RADIO FREQUENCY SAFETY AND REGULATORY COMPLIANCE AT WIRELESS TRANSMISSION SITES - Maintaining information about radio transmission sites in a computer accessible database. In one aspect this is a living database consisting of hundreds of thousands of wireless sites and their unique characteristics. The database includes energy transmissions information including site specific physical locations and utilization characteristics of the sites. The System can deliver MPE maps of radio frequency radiation and site specific safety programs to any worker visiting a wireless site in the United States. These maps (and site's specific safety programs) are updated on a daily basis. The System can be accessed via the Internet by registered users. The System creates and displays MPE maps and radiation pattern maps showing gradation power densities to identify exposure dangers. | 08-06-2009 |
20090198503 | ACKNOWLEDGING RECEIPT OF DELIVERED ARTICLE BY INTENDED RECEIVER - A method, system and computer program product for acknowledging receipt of an article by an intended receiver are disclosed. A method may comprise: communicating a receiver identification to the intended receiver; providing a mechanism to request an actual receiver of the article to provide the receiver identification; in response to that the actual receiver provides the receiver identification, generating a digital signature based on a combination of the receiver identification and an identification of the article; and acknowledging the receipt of the article by the intended receiver based on the digital signature. | 08-06-2009 |
20090198504 | RATER RESOURCE ALLOCATION SYSTEMS AND METHODS - Methods of allocating raters to assessment visits of studies, and tangible computer readable media including software that is adapted to control a computer to implement methods of allocating raters to assessment visits of studies, are provided. Raters are allocated by retrieving blinding information that includes at least one blinding criterion for a visit of a study, retrieving rater information for at least one rater associated with the study, comparing the retrieved rater information and the retrieved blinding information to identify one or more raters meeting the at least one blinding criterion and enabling selection of the identified one or more raters for allocation to the visit of the study. A rater may then be allocated to the visit by receiving a selection for at least one of the identified raters and allocating the at least one rater to the visit responsive to the received selection. | 08-06-2009 |
20090198505 | INTERACTIVE PATH PLANNING WITH DYNAMIC COSTING - An interactive path planning system supports a designer's efforts to manually optimize routes for cost, constructability, environmental considerations, and the like. This permits a user to manually seek optimizations of a route cost that are not be available through automated cost optimization algorithms and techniques. Moreover, this may permit the user to experiment with alternate route paths while being provided with cost information via the interface. The interface may provide cost calculations based upon the true route geometry that will be employed to physically construct the route, rather than a computational model employed during an interactive design process. | 08-06-2009 |
20090198506 | Network-Based System for Enhancing Cooperation Among Persons Engaged in an Enterprise - A network-based system for enhancing cooperation among persons engaged in an enterprise includes a server coupled to the network executing software providing one or more interactive displays on computerized appliances operated by the persons. and a data repository accessible to the server, the data repository storing enterprise-related profiles for individual ones of the persons, including at least enterprise-related activity of the persons, wherein the system relates persons in the data repository in activity-related communities, and enables individual persons in the enterprise to view profiles in community collections. | 08-06-2009 |
20090198507 | BEHAVIOR-BASED WEB PAGE GENERATION MARKETING SYSTEM - One feature provides a configurable system that allows web site operators/administrators to dynamically identify consumer behavior, formulate different marketing strategies for the same product depending on consumer triggers, and dynamically generating web pages that present different marketing content to consumers based on their segments. Such configurable system may implement behavior-based targeting (BBT) where different marketing strategies for the same product or service may be defined by a web administrator, and different marketing content may be presented to consumers of the same product based on their identified behavior or interests. | 08-06-2009 |
20090198508 | ELECTRONIC PRICE TAG DEVICE, POP DEVICE, MANAGEMENT SYSTEM FOR ELECTRONIC PRICE TAG DEVICE, AND METHOD AND PROGRAM FOR CONTROLLING MANAGEMENT SYSTEM FOR ELECTRONIC PRICE TAG DEVICE - The present invention provides a solution to the following problem: when using an electronic price tag device attached to a POP panel, an advertising content of the POP panel may be inconsistent with a price displayed on the electronic price tag device, and such inconsistency is left as is until a person in charge of a store site notices that. An electronic price tag device | 08-06-2009 |
20090204414 | Method and system to enable in-context pre-meeting dialogue and collaboration among invitees - An embodiment of this invention enables in-context pre-meeting dialogue and collaboration among invitees and participants of meeting or event, using tools such as calendar products. An embodiment allows the invitees to send their responses on a meeting invite to other invitees and not limit or restrict the responses only to the meeting organizer. With in-context pre-meeting dialogue and collaboration features, an embodiment enables a more effective participation by the invitees for a more fruitful meeting or event. | 08-13-2009 |
20090204415 | System and method for product recall notification - A method for checking the recall status of a product. The method includes receiving product identification data in a data processing system by scanning a product. The method also includes storing the product identification data and checking the product identification data against a recall database. The method also includes determining whether the product has been recalled, and if the product has been recalled, notifying a user that the product has been recalled. There is also a method for managing product recalls. That method includes receiving product recall data including product identification data for a recalled product, and storing the product recall data in a recall database. That method also includes sending a notification to a user device according to the product recall data and subscription data. | 08-13-2009 |
20090204416 | BUSINESS UNIT OUTSOURCING MODEL - Tools for configuring enterprise applications. In an aspect, an enterprise application can be configured to account for relationships between multiple business units within an enterprise, including without limitation relationships between the business functions provided by various business units. In another aspect, the disclosed tools provide a framework for identifying and/or defining relationships between business units. The tools might also provide a user interface for a user to identify one or more business units and/or business functions and defines a relationship between them. Based on this definition, an enterprise application can be configured to account for this relationship. | 08-13-2009 |
20090204417 | SYSTEM FOR PRODUCT AUTHENTICATION USING COVERT CODES - An authentication system enabling a customer to verify the authenticity of a product in a foolproof, secure and simple manner. plurality of secret sets of numbers is generated, each set comprising a challenge portion and a response portion. These sets are stored on a remote server. Each set is associated with a different product. The customer sends a challenge portion to the server, and prompts the server to provide a response. If the response matches that of the product in hand, the product is known to be authentic. In another embodiment of the system, cellular transmission is used to power an electronic tag attached to the product and carrying authentication data. In a third embodiment, the full manufacturer database is divided into separate databases, possibly related to product vendor, such that an authentication process can be performed without the need to access the manufacturer's entire database of products. | 08-13-2009 |
20090204418 | Computerized system for demonstrating a fair settlement proposal - The invention that is the subject of this Disclosure consists of a computerized method whereby a party that is involved in a dispute can either secure a resolution of that dispute on terms that that party deems to be acceptable or be in a position to easily and credibly demonstrate to third parties that it has acted fairly in connection with that dispute. It involves the use of a computerized system that combines aspects of a sealed-bid mechanism with a commitment mechanism to facilitate convergence of the parties on a settlement that is focal and that they consider fair. It includes an option for final-offer arbitration in the event that the parties fail to achieve a settlement prior to a fixed deadline. Unlike mediation and traditional sealed-bid mechanisms, the structure of the system gives the initiating party a strong incentive to make a fair and reasonable proposal at the outset of the process. In addition, it deprives the other party of any incentive or excuse for failing to do this prior to the deadline. | 08-13-2009 |
20090204419 | Purification of Oil Field Production Water for Beneficial Use - A method for generating new water with attached water rights comprising identifying a source of production water and treating the water in appropriate ways to provide water appropriate for beneficial use such as agriculture, irrigation, industrial or municipal or potable applications. Appropriate permits are obtained to create the new water with attached water rights. | 08-13-2009 |
20090204420 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR TOY ADOPTION AND MARKETING - A method for providing a virtual world presentation includes registering a first product on a computer system; registering a user on the computer system and associating that user with a user ID; responsive to registering the first product, displaying a virtual representation of the first product on the computer system; associating the virtual representation of the first product with the user ID; registering a second product on the computer system; and responsive to registering the second product, generating specialized content on the computer system. The specialized content is also associated with the user ID and may include a virtual representation of the second product. Accessing the computer system using the user ID provides access to both the virtual representation of the first product and the specialized content on the computer system. | 08-13-2009 |
20090210240 | SYSTEM AND METHOD OF AGE VERIFICATION FOR PURCHASING AGE-RESTRICTED ITEMS - Aspects of the invention relate to an age verification terminal configured for verifying the age of a person and providing a purchase ticket for purchasing an age-restricted item is proposed. In one embodiment, the terminal comprises a video camera configured for capturing an image of the person and a document reader configured for capturing an image of an identification document of the person. The terminal also comprises a connecting device and receiving device. The connecting device configured for connecting to a remote age verification center to transmit the image of said person and the image of (at least a part of) the identification document to the age verification center. The receiver is configured for receiving a purchase approval signal from the age verification center in response to having transmitted the person image and/or the document image. The age verification module comprises a controller configured for controlling a ticket printer to print the purchase ticket in response to receiving the purchase approval signal. The purchase ticket then comprises an image of the person and/or a ticket code intended for allowing purchase of the age-restricted item. | 08-20-2009 |
20090210241 | Emergency Contact System that Interfaces with Government ID - A system for identifying and providing emergency contacts and returning lost identification that interfaces with a government-issued ID and provides only member-provided information to properly authenticated users over the internet. | 08-20-2009 |
20090210242 | LOAD BALANCE PAYMENT - A user can be provided a variety of incentives to take a route that is different from a standard path in order to relieve path load balancing issues. Information on a primary path can be collected and analyzed to determine if it would be beneficial to encourage users to take an alternate path. If it is determined that users should be encouraged to take another path, then analysis of potential users can occur. A result of the user analysis can be used to select users that are offered to take the alternate path as well as an incentive offered to the user to encourage her to take the alternate path. | 08-20-2009 |
20090210243 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR PROVIDING ELECTRONIC CUSTOMS FORM - Methods and systems are provided for creating and processing an electronic customs declaration manifest. These methods and systems include creating a image of the customs declaration form, converting the image of the customs declaration form into an electronic customs manifest, and transferring the electronic customs manifest to a database. In addition, a image is may also be forwarded electronically to a remote encoding center, where the customs declaration form data is manually converted into an electronic file for storing in a database. Customs services of both the originating and destination countries review the declared information stored in the database. When the international mailpiece arrives at the border, domestic customs service may find a matching unique identifiers on the international mailpieces and customs declaration forms stored in the database. The service provider may load an international mailpiece into an airplane, if a domestic customs service allow the international mailpiece having a matching unique identifier to leave the originating country. A service provider may return an international mailpiece to the domestic customs service if an international mailpiece is not allowed to leave the originating country. | 08-20-2009 |
20090210244 | TRUSTED ACQUAINTANCES NETWORK SYSTEM - A trusted acquaintances network system [ | 08-20-2009 |
20090210245 | Drawing and data collection systems - An apparatus, system and method is disclosed herein for searching and retrieving data in the form of text and images that may be used for designing and drawings applications in industry and for crime investigation and prevention. Data is retrieved from databases optionally using a statistical profiler and observations/hunch notes to filter and narrow the search. The present invention may serve as a simulation tool, as a storage system, as a legal presentation system and as a calculation program. | 08-20-2009 |
20090210246 | STATISTICAL PERSONALIZED RECOMMENDATION SYSTEM - A method for recommending items in a domain to users, either individually or in groups, makes user of users' characteristics, their carefully elicited preferences, and a history of their ratings of the items are maintained in a database. Users are assigned to cohorts that are constructed such that significant between-cohort differences emerge in the distribution of preferences. Cohort-specific parameters and their precisions are computed using the database, which enable calculation of a risk-adjusted rating for any of the items by a typical non-specific user belonging to the cohort. Personalized modifications of the cohort parameters for individual users are computed using the individual-specific history of ratings and stated preferences. These personalized parameters enable calculation of a individual-specific risk-adjusted rating of any of the items relevant to the user. The method is also applicable to recommending items suitable to groups of joint users such a group of friends or a family. A related method can be used to discover users who share similar preferences. Similar users to a given user are identified based on the closeness of the statistically computed personal-preference parameters. | 08-20-2009 |
20090216545 | CONTRACT AUTHORING TEMPLATE CREATION - A system allows a contract administrator to define the attributes of a contract template, and then generate a user interface. The contract administrator can modify the contract template user interface attributes, and the system then creates and stores a modified contract template. The modified contract template is subsequently rendered into a modified deal sheet user interface that is used by an end user to author a contract. | 08-27-2009 |
20090216546 | Rating Virtual World Merchandise by Avatar Visits - A computer implemented method and apparatus to generate popularity ratings for virtual world artifacts based on how often and in what manner avatars access the artifacts. The popularity ratings for virtual world artifacts may be used to determine what virtual world artifacts are selected to have a prominent presence in a virtual world. When an event caused by an avatar accessing a virtual world artifact in a virtual world is detected, the illustrative embodiments receive information about the event, such as the event type, the avatar identifier (ID), and the time the event occurred. The illustrative embodiments generate a rating score for the virtual world artifact based on the information received about the event. The illustrative embodiments update a rendering of the virtual world artifact in the virtual world based on the rating score. | 08-27-2009 |
20090216547 | METHOD, SYSTEM AND COMPUTER PROGRAM PRODUCT FOR PROVIDING REAL-TIME RECOMMENDATIONS - A method, system and computer program product for providing real-time recommendations. The method includes accessing an itinerary corresponding to a guest of a venue, the venue having a plurality of attractions. The itinerary was created in response to one or both of preferences of the guest and historical data about the venue. Real-time data about the guest and/or real-time data about the venue are received. A real-time recommendation is created in response to the itinerary, to a current location of the guest, and to one or more of the real-time data about the guest and the real-time data about the venue. The real-time recommendation includes one or more suggested future activities for the guest. The one or more suggested future activities are communicated to the guest via a user device. | 08-27-2009 |
20090216548 | License Management in a Networked Software Application Solution - A networked software solution comprising a plurality of servers, and application programs at various of the servers forming components of the solution. License information for all networked applications that form part of the solution is stored at each server that forms part of the solution. At relevant times, a server might determine from it's stored license information whether or not the applications of the solution are all operating according to unexpired licenses. In this way all servers of a solution receive and store the license information pertaining to other required applications of the solution and can determine at any time if the solution is validly licensed. | 08-27-2009 |
20090216549 | Gift Registry and Comparison Shopper - Devices and methods are disclosed which relate to the creation of a gift registry or comparison shopper. A user can select any product from any store using her mobile communications device and add it to her registry. This registry can be viewed online so that the user as well as guests can view it and select products to purchase. | 08-27-2009 |
20090216550 | BUSINESS METHOD FOR PRESERVING THE VALUE OF BUSINESS ASSETS - A business method for preserving the value of business assets, and more particularly, the value of assets that are subject to associated license agreements. | 08-27-2009 |
20090216551 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR MANAGING SOCIAL NETWORKS OF A USER - A method and system for managing a social network are provided. The method includes establishing a user profile, wherein the user profile includes basic information fields and supplemental information fields. The method includes receiving a user-defined criteria defining how a display profile will be compiled based, in part, on a relationship to a prospective viewer. The method includes, responsive to a request from the prospective viewer, compiling fields from the basic information fields and the supplemental information fields into the display profile. The method includes providing the display profile to the prospective viewer. | 08-27-2009 |
20090216552 | SYSTEMS AND PROCESSES FOR MAINTAINING ROOFS - The process for maintaining a roof includes receiving a maintenance request and establishing an account in the database associated with the maintenance request. Next, a contractor is notified of the maintenance request. The contractor receives maintenance request information over a communication network by accessing a software application. Performance of the maintenance request is regulated by the software application and a service procedure established in the database. | 08-27-2009 |
20090222274 | PREVENTING FRAUD IN A VIRTUAL UNIVERSE - A solution for preventing frauds in a virtual universe is disclosed. A user interface may be deployed to a user of the virtual universe which enables the user to report a fraudulent activity of a virtual entity. Such a report is processed by an administration center, and the fraudulent virtual entity may be publically tagged such that further frauds can be prevented. | 09-03-2009 |
20090222275 | RISK REDUCTION - A method and system of reducing risk in the life cycle of a product, in one aspect, obtain one or more tasks required to achieve an overall task, determine risk impact of each task, the risk impact being an impact of each task on the likelihood of failure for the overall task and compute risk of overall task based on risk impacts of the tasks. The method and system utilize said risk impact of each task to schedule the tasks in such a way so as to reduce said risk of overall task as rapidly as possible. | 09-03-2009 |
20090222276 | Apparatus, System, and Method for Cloning Web Page Designs or Avatar Designs - An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for facilitating the copying or cloning of web page and avatar designs. | 09-03-2009 |
20090222277 | DEFINING AND IMPLEMENTING CUSTOM TASK PROCESSES - Concepts and technologies are provided herein for defining and implementing custom task processes. An authoring tool provides a user interface for defining a custom task process that encompasses one or more task instances. New workflow logic can be applied to both the task action and the encompassed task instances. Once a task process has been defined using the authoring tool, a workflow that includes the task process is submitted to a collaborative application for execution. The defined task action and task instances are executed by the collaborative application to implement the defined task process. Through the execution of the task process, assignments are made to the defined participants, and additional workflows, actions, and behaviors may be triggered and executed based upon the defined task action and task instances. | 09-03-2009 |
20090222278 | Interactive entrepreneur network and information system - A social networking system and method for entrepreneurs includes a primary forum offering a plurality of multimedia tools and a primary member registration means for registering a plurality of members for access within a primary community. Members include entrepreneur members, investor members and coach members. The primary forum provides access to hyperlinked content for retrieving business information and interacting and communicating among members. The system further comprises a plurality of satellite forums that are linked to, hosted and maintained by the primary forum. Each satellite forum includes the multimedia tools derived from the primary forum so that members on the satellite forum have access to the information on the primary forum. Satellite forums have their own unique URL and is linked to, hosted and maintained by the primary forum and act as meeting places for satellite groups and satellite communities. Each satellite forum allows groups of entrepreneur members to build their own satellite community, allowing them to have control over their own member database and content. | 09-03-2009 |
20090222279 | Rate quote generation for optimization of travel agency profitability - In order for a travel agent to find travel services for clients and maintain profitability (or other advantages) for a travel agency, systems and methods for automatically generating rate quotes for travel services are provided. The travel agent provides the client's requirements for travel within a system that searches fare sources for available fares of travel services that meets the client's requirements. The system calculates rate quotes by applying a mark-up to the available fares from the search and then determines if the rates quotes are profitable based on agency profitability rules. If a rate quote is determined to be unprofitable (e.g., the marked-up fare is below a threshold of profitability), then the rate quote may be removed. The remaining rate quotes are sorted and provided to the travel agent. The travel agent can then offer travel services to the client at the marked-up fare rate quote. | 09-03-2009 |
20090222280 | System and method for certification data management - A system and method are disclosed that provide for processing certification data. The system and method include determining a rating definition associated with an engine configuration, and associating an arrangement number with the rating definition. In addition, the system and method include associating a certification type with the arrangement number, and associating a certification dataset, created by recording emissions test results of one or more emissions data parameters, with the rating definition to generate a certification family. The one or more emissions data parameters are included in at least one of an emissions law or an emissions regulation. | 09-03-2009 |
20090228291 | Method and system for identifying conflicting constraints in mixed integer programs - The present invention relates to methods and systems for generating solutions to global optimization problems. In one aspect, the invention allows for determining whether models of optimization problems are infeasible. In another aspect, the invention allows for identifying relatively small sets of constraints that make a model infeasible. | 09-10-2009 |
20090228293 | MINIMUM CORRELATION DESIGN OF EXPERIMENT RUN ORDER - A method provides an experiment plan that produces experimental results based on input variables. The method creates a cost function for runs of the experiment plan. The cost function considers an order in which the runs occur. The method also optimizes the cost function to minimize costs between the runs of the experiment plan and the order in which the runs occur to produce an optimized run order. This optimized run order is output. | 09-10-2009 |
20090228294 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR ON-LINE IDENTIFICATION ASSERTION - Self-asserted socio-demographic attributes of individuals' identities are verified using social network analysis and other means. Through these processes, parties to a transaction or interaction arc provided a measure of confidence about another party's self-asserted socio-demographic attributes, such as age, gender, marital status, etc., in order to assist in determining whether or not to pursue the transaction or interaction. The measure of confidence may be provided as a quantitative “score” indicative of the likelihood the user's self-asserted attribute is actually true. The quantitative score is derived by analyzing a web of trust in which the user is embedded. | 09-10-2009 |
20090234659 | SPATIAL AND TEMPORAL TWO-DIMENSIONAL SCHEDULING METHOD AND SYSTEM THEREOF - A method of event scheduling includes scheduling an event having an event time and an event location; determining a position of the user prior to the event; calculating a travel time required before the event according to the event location and the position of the user prior to the event; and reminding the user of the event according to the travel time before the event time. | 09-17-2009 |
20090234662 | Unified Enterprise Contract Management Architecture - An enterprise contract management system allows users to define different types of contracts that will support different types of lines. A common contract management infrastructure supports basic contracting capabilities common to a number of types of contracts (or every contract type handled by the system). These capabilities include defining basic attributes about a contract like number and description, defining contract parties, contract printing, versioning, status management, change control, and security. These common capabilities will be available for any type of contract handled by the system. When a user defines a contract of a particular type, the system allows the user to add lines to a contract that represent different types of agreements with a customer. Lines can describe a sale of goods, a sale of an extended warranty or support, a sale of simple service, a sale of complex service, a long-term sales agreement, a lease or rental, or any other type of customer agreement. | 09-17-2009 |
20090234664 | System and method for recommending entertainment venues for specific occasions - An Internet based method and system for recommending restaurants for specific occasions that provides users with precise information of the anticipated price of a meal, precise information regarding suitable attire, and specific rating information derived from selected demographic categories. | 09-17-2009 |
20090234665 | System and method for customer feedback - A method for managing customer feedback. The method includes receiving a recording of spoken customer feedback in a server data processing system and transcribing the customer feedback in the server data processing system to produce a transcript. The method also includes storing the transcript in a customer feedback database and generating and storing an index of the transcript. The method also includes identifying words in the transcript that correspond to predefined keywords and generating a report according to the identified words and the transcript. There is also a corresponding data processing system. | 09-17-2009 |
20090234667 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR ENABLING COLLABORATION AND COORDINATION OF SUPPORT - The present invention relates to systems and methods for enabling collaboration and coordination of support within a controlled electronic environment. In particular, embodiments of the present invention relate to a dynamic, collaborative, and online support system that integrates assessment functionality, data reporting, communication tools, calendaring, and specific curriculum, with the power of an online community support system devoted specifically to helping an individual maintain and/or improve from a current level of functioning to a higher level of functioning. Further, embodiments of the present invention embrace systems and methods for selectively distributing sensitive information in a timely and controlled manner to key people, organizations, and professionals, who are in positions to support a particular individual, family, or group, and wherein the information is provided based on the positive impact/influence each can provide based on given circumstances. | 09-17-2009 |
20090240510 | Balanced Scorecard Method for Determining an Impact on a Business Service Caused by Degraded Operation of an IT System Component - A “balanced scorecard” method is disclosed for determining degrees of impact on business service elements (BSE's) caused by degradations of configuration items (CI's) in an underlying IT system. The formulas are used by an Impact Calculation Engine (ICE) of a Business Services Management (BSM) system. They provide enhanced accuracy by accounting for “service aspects” of alerts (using categories such as performance, availability, security, end user, capacity, and financial) and/or degrees of CI degradation (in some embodiments using OSI Standards). The method eliminates manual assignment of degrees of impact. Preferred embodiments convert alerts to a common alert format, determine a separate degree of impact for each service aspect, and use default formulas when custom formulas are not provided. Some embodiments use a service subscription wizard to at least partly automate the assignment of CI-to-BSE relationships. Different balanced scorecards can apply to the same BSE at different times, dates, usage levels, etc. | 09-24-2009 |
20090240511 | APPARATUS FOR SECURELY STORING DELIVERED GOODS, AN INTEGRATED CONTROLLER FOR USE WITH THE APPARATUS AND A METHOD OF SECURELY SUPPLYING GOODS TO A CUSTOMER - An apparatus, an integrated controller and a method of securely supplying goods to a customer. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes: (1) a chassis having a first compartment configured to store goods at a first temperature and a second compartment configured to store goods at a second temperature different from the first temperature, (2) an access barrier mounted to the chassis and movable between an open position in which access to the first and second compartments is allowed and a closed position in which the access is denied and (3) an integrated controller including an access management system configured to control the access to the first and second compartments through the access barrier and a goods management system configured to track goods deposited to and retrieved from the first and second compartments. | 09-24-2009 |
20090240512 | EMERGENCY CARD REPLACEMENT - A method for providing a presentation instrument includes printing shipping information on a shipping indicator associated with the presentation instrument. The shipping information includes a shipping destination address and a tracking indicium. The presentation instrument and the shipping indicator are inserted into an envelope that has a first clear window such that the shipping destination address and tracking indicium show through the clear window. The envelope is then inserted into a shipping container that has a second clear window, such that the shipping destination address and tracking indicium also show through the second clear window. A system for providing the presentation instrument includes a personalization machine that personalizes the presentation instrument, a printer that prints the shipping indicator, a first inserter that inserts the presentation instrument and shipping indicator into an envelope, a second inserter that inserts the envelope into a shipping container, and a controller. | 09-24-2009 |
20090240513 | OPTIMIZING CLUSTER BASED COHORTS TO SUPPORT ADVANCED ANALYTICS - A computer implemented method, apparatus, and computer program product is provided for selecting subjects for treatment study cohorts. A set of selected dimensions for optimizing selection of subjects for a treatment cohort group and a control cohort group associated with a treatment study is identified. Attribute data associated with subjects in the pool of available subjects is clustered at the atomic level to form clustered cohort data. A set of optimized subjects from a pool of available subjects is selected using the clustered cohort data and the set of selected dimensions. Subjects in the set of optimized subjects are optimized across the set of selected dimensions. Each subject in the set of optimized subjects is assigned to the treatment cohort group or the control cohort group. | 09-24-2009 |
20090240514 | System and Method for Recommending a Bedding Product - The present invention is directed at a system and method for recommending a bedding product for an individual. In one arrangement, a test mattress system comprises a mattress portion, a box spring portion, and fluid bladders positioned at various locations within the system. In an alternative embodiment, a method comprises the steps of taking a first pressure measurement of at least one bladder situated within a test mattress while the individual reclines on the test mattress; elevating pressure within the at least one bladder; and taking a second pressure measurement of the at least one bladder while the individual reclines on the test mattress. | 09-24-2009 |
20090240515 | INTEGRATED SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CENTRALIZED TRANSIT INFORMATION HANDLING - A centralized information center is disclosed. The centralized information center includes a plurality of source information inputs. The centralized information center disclosed also includes a central processor configured to receive information from the source information inputs and a memory coupled to the processor. A program runs on the central processor. The program organizes information, prioritizes information and generates information flows. Selective information flows are provided to a central office for a transportation system and to a transportation vehicle. The plurality of source information inputs includes vehicle-related information, operations-related information, and external service provider information. | 09-24-2009 |
20090240516 | COMMUNITY MODERATED INFORMATION - According to one aspect, an approach is provided that assists in presenting the right information within the ecosystem. The approach involves associating information sources (ads, sponsored information, research requests, debate notices, seminars, education opportunities, peer generated information, etc) with a feedback mechanism. In one embodiment, the feedback mechanism includes a scoring feature, where individual participants within the ecosystem rate the relevancy and/or importance of the information provided. In one example, a user is notified that a potentially relevant information source is available. The notification is typically displayed unobtrusively within a browser or interface window that the user is navigating. In one implementation, the user must perform some affirmative action to reach information associated with the information opportunity. In one example, requiring an affirmative action serves as a shield from pop-ups, banner-ads, and other distracting form of advertising. It is also realized that allowing the user to select the information opportunity rather than display it immediately permits the user to decide explore the opportunity. In one example, permitting the user to decide to explore the opportunity increases the user's receptivity to the information opportunity. In one embodiment, information associated with the information opportunity is displayed in response to user selection. The information associated with the information opportunity describes the information opportunity available. The user is provided with the opportunity to evaluate the information opportunity without being required to visit it and/or review it in its entirety. The information associated with the information opportunity may also be displayed with user feedback. | 09-24-2009 |
20090240517 | Method and system for attribute-based evaluation of travel-related products and services - Embodiments of the present invention are directed to providing automated evaluation of travel-related products and services to consumers. The evaluations may be carried out by a travel-related-products-and-services provider, by a separate products-and-services evaluator on behalf of the vendor, or by a client-side component of an evaluation system. Travel-related products and services are evaluated, according to certain embodiments of the present invention, by computing values for a number of attributes associated with travel-related products and services, and by then computing one or more scores based on the computed values of the attributes. In certain embodiments of the present invention, one or more scores for each travel-related product and/or service are displayed to a user to facilitate the user's selection of a product and/or service. | 09-24-2009 |
20090240518 | ENHANCED SHOPPING & MERCHANDISING METHODOLOGY - An enhanced shopping system for facilitating grocery shopping and in-store advertising is disclosed. The system utilizes uniquely changes (1) the way grocery retail industry captures and retains customers, (2) how customers organize their shopping efforts in grocery stores, (3) the approach to advertising and reaching customers, and (4) the information available to retailers and merchandisers related to customer (a) shopping patterns, (b) responses to merchandising and advertising, and (c) specific impact of discounting/coupons. | 09-24-2009 |
20090240519 | DWELL-UNIT-MANAGEMENT SUPPORTING SYSTEM, DWELL-UNIT-MANAGEMENT SUPPORTING METHOD, COMPUTER-READABLE RECORDING MEDIUM, SERVER AND MULTIPLE FUNCTION PROCESSING MACHINE - As receiving information for specifying a dwell unit and a request of creating an inspection list, a dwell unit information server creates an inspection list for the dwell unit in response to the request. A multiple function processing machine prints out the inspection list, and reads the inspection list on which a defective equipment is written. The multiple function processing machine extracts handwritten information from read-out information, and transmits the extracted information to the dwell unit information server together with code information printed on the inspection list. The dwell unit information server extracts an equipment needing inspection based on the code information and the handwritten information, and transmits a work instruction which instructs maintenance/repair of the equipment to a maintenance/repair responsible company responsible for the extracted equipment. | 09-24-2009 |
20090248426 | MEETING MANAGEMENT SOFTWARE THAT DISTINGUISHES STAFF FROM OTHER MEETING INVITEES AND PERMITS STAFF BASED PROGRAMMATIC ACTIONS - A staff's element of a user interface for editing or adding meeting software objects can be identified. The staff's element can be one of a many different interface elements. Other ones of the interface elements can accept input that define participants of a meeting who are not considered staff. Input entered into the staff's element can be received. A set of at least one user considered staff can be parsed from the received input entered into the staff's element. A unique identifier can be determined for each staff user in the parsed set. At least one record can be stored in a meeting data store that indexes each of the determined unique identifiers against a meeting identifier such that these determined unique identifiers signify that associated users are to be considered staff for a meeting object associated with the meeting identifier. | 10-01-2009 |
20090248427 | INITIATIVE DESIGNER - A method, system and a computer program product for an interactive smart game plan for one or more growth initiatives having an initiative designer for designing, creating, launching and tracking growth initiatives are provided. The initiative designer of the method, system and computer program can have an electronic component configured to interact with one or more users by accepting and displaying growth initiative information specified by the user and obtained from multiple data sources, pertaining to the growth initiative, wherein the growth initiative information has at least one of, basic growth initiative information, a target segment, a target participant, an incentive, a business rule, a marketing tool, sales execution instructions, detailed prospect information, prospect background information, and a recommended game plan to a user to execute the growth initiative. | 10-01-2009 |
20090248428 | Method and System for Determining Software License Compliance - According to one embodiment, a method for determining license compliance includes receiving data regarding a plurality of licenses, including at least first and second licenses. The first license has a corresponding first license count that applies to a first software product. The second license has a corresponding second license count that applies to the first software product. An instance count of the first software product is determined. A determination is made regarding whether the instance count can be apportioned to the first and second licenses, such that neither the first or second license counts are exceeded. | 10-01-2009 |
20090248429 | Managing Consistent Interfaces for Sales Price Business Objects Across Heterogeneous Systems - A business object model, which reflects data that is used during a given business transaction, is utilized to generate interfaces. This business object model facilitates commercial transactions by providing consistent interfaces that are suitable for use across industries, across businesses, and across different departments within a business during a business transaction. In some operations, software creates, updates, or otherwise processes information related to a sales price information and/or a sales price specification business object. | 10-01-2009 |
20090248430 | Managing Consistent Interfaces for Supply Network Business Objects Across Heterogeneous Systems - A business object model, which reflects data that is used during a given business transaction, is utilized to generate interfaces. This business object model facilitates commercial transactions by providing consistent interfaces that are suitable for use across industries, across businesses, and across different departments within a business during a business transaction. In some operations, software creates, updates, or otherwise processes information related to a supply network plan, a supply network plan configuration and/or a supply network planning aggregate hierarchy business object. | 10-01-2009 |
20090248431 | MANAGING CONSISTENT INTERFACES FOR AUTOMATIC IDENTIFICATION LABEL BUSINESS OBJECTS ACROSS HETEROGENEOUS SYSTEMS - A business object model, which reflects data that is used during a given business transaction, is utilized to generate interfaces. This business object model facilitates commercial transactions by providing consistent interfaces that are suitable for use across industries, across businesses, and across different departments within a business during a business transaction. In some operations, software creates, updates, or otherwise processes information related to an automatic identification label, an automatic identification label device, and/or an automatic identification label device observation business object. | 10-01-2009 |
20090248432 | HEURISTIC MATCHING METHOD FOR USE IN FINANCIAL SYSTEMS - A heuristic method is described for use with a financial system, wherein the method receives a newly added research item, extracts a text-based index from the newly added research item, applying a plurality of heuristics to said extracted text-based index, matches results of heuristics application with each of the following entity types: companies contacts, industries, themes, and ideas, and, upon detecting a match, creating a bidirectional link between the newly added research item and the matching entity type. The results of the detected match is then stored in a database. The heuristics comprises any of, or a combination of, the following: heuristics to match the text-based index to a subset of existing research items that have been pre-selected, heuristics to match the text-based index to a company's ticker symbol, (3) heuristics to maintain a problem ticker list that is used to negate matches for tickers in said text-based index that can also represent common abbreviations, (4) heuristics to convert said extracted text-based index to a base or root form, and (5) heuristics to remove short, high frequency, common, and low relevance words from said extracted text-based index; | 10-01-2009 |
20090248433 | METHOD FOR AUTOMATICALLY LINKING A DATA ELEMENT TO EXISTING RESEARCH - Business research items are maintained for a subscriber, wherein the business items are any of the following: company information, contact information, ideas, themes, or notes. When the user creates a new item for business research, the input is parsed to match the parsed user input to indexed research to identify a matching entry (or entries), wherein a link is automatically suggested between the matching entry (or entries) and the new item to be created. Upon receiving an acknowledgement from the user accepting the suggestion, the suggested link is stored in permanent memory. | 10-01-2009 |
20090248434 | Analyzing transactional data - A system and method for measuring or at least detecting the effect of at least implicit communication on transactions within a social group, optionally such as consumer purchases for example. The group may optionally comprise a social network, a pair, 3 or more individuals and so forth. By “implicit communication” it is meant communication for which there is no record, for example in a database. The aftereffects of such communication may optionally be determined, detected and/or measured through detection and/or measurement of influence, as described in greater detail below. For example, if a first consumer performs purchase of an item and a second consumer later purchases the same or similar item within a given time period, the two purchases may optionally be linked through influence which may in turn have optionally occurred through implicit communication. Optionally, the system and method may also measure or at least detect the effect of explicit communication, for which there is a record, for example in a database that describes the communication itself. | 10-01-2009 |
20090248435 | Method for locating just in time mobile services - The current invention is based, at least in part, on the recognition that there is a problem of missed commercial opportunities when a commercial vendor is a mobile provider of goods or services. A need exists for facilitating communication between a mobile provider of goods or services and a potential recipient of those goods or services. Ideally, a solution to this need would not require a human dispatcher as an intermediary, due to various inefficiencies associated with such a method. In accordance with an aspect of the current invention, the limitation of missed business opportunities is avoided by (1) activating, by a mobile provider of commercial goods or services, a notification regarding availability to provide said commercial goods or services within a given distance of said mobile provider; and, (2) receiving, in response to said notification, and at a mobile location of said mobile provider of commercial goods or services, a request from a requester who is within the given distance of said mobile provider to provide said commercial goods or services to said requester. This method maximizes commercial opportunities between two parties without the need for a human dispatcher as an intermediary. | 10-01-2009 |
20090248436 | Virtual social group management system, virtual social group management method, and computer program - An SNS system is provided with: a user information storage unit that stores the type of relationship for each second user who has a relationship with a first user; and a screen display control unit that causes information on each second user to be displayed in a terminal apparatus of the first user based on the type of the relationship between each second user and the first user. | 10-01-2009 |
20090254355 | Service Level Agreement-Based Service Monitoring System using Agents - A service level agreement-based service monitoring system is provided by a service management broker (SMB) for a service provider registering and publishing a web service, and uploading a service level agreement with a service requester to a database. The service management broker respectively has a monitoring broker online mode, a non-monitoring broker online mode and a non-monitoring broker offline mode. The above three modes correspondingly utilize a broker to monitor the quality of a web service, and the above three modes can be respectively provided for the service requester evaluating the quality of the web service and the service provider examining service evaluations, and further for informing the service provider and the service requester for performing an appropriate operation when any one of the service provider and the service requester breaks the service level agreement. | 10-08-2009 |
20090254356 | BATTERY LONGEVITY MONITORING - Systems and methods are provided that estimate when to replace a medical device that is implanted in a patient due to batter deplection. These systems and methods significantly reduce the need for service calls made to medical device manufacturers that relate to battery longevity. | 10-08-2009 |
20090254357 | COMPUTER-IMPLEMENTED METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR ANALYZING OPERATING COSTS OF BATTERY-OPERATED SHEET DISPENSERS - Expected battery consumption by non-hard wired paper towel dispensers is calculated and compared as a way to help sell dispensers. The information is provided on a real-time basis not only for each type of dispenser a salesperson is attempting to sell, but also for competitive dispensers so that the customer can make an informed decision as to which dispenser(s) best meets his needs. | 10-08-2009 |
20090254358 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR FACILITATING REAL WORLD SOCIAL NETWORKING THROUGH VIRTUAL WORLD APPLICATIONS - A method and system for enhancing a virtual world application to facilitate social networking between users are disclosed. The system detects a trigger condition within the virtual world application, and in response to detecting the trigger condition, searches one or more real world social networking application relationship databases for real world social network relationships between a first user of the virtual world application and at least one other user of the virtual world application. Based on the results of the searching performed on the social networking application relationship databases, the disclosed system displays alerts containing real world social network information describing real world social networks connecting the first user and one or more other users of the virtual world application that were detected by the searching. | 10-08-2009 |
20090254359 | SYNCHRONIZED INTERACTIVE DEMOGRAPHIC ANALYSIS - An embodiment of the present invention includes a system and method of providing synchronized interactive demographic analysis. | 10-08-2009 |
20090259480 | PT Prophetess Theresa Jewelry Collection and Fashion - Articles of Jewelry having colored precious stones designed, priced, and sold at retail locations. The articles of jewelry may be imaged and priced according to a consumer's input on the length at the retail locations having a commitment to purchase the article of jewelry based on the image provided and selected. The goal is to meet the needs of the customers through high quality jewelry at affordable prices challenging competitors by showcasing the industry through an outstanding example of excellent, ethics, and professionalism in all business endeavors. Together, we will work to make the dreams of everyone associated with Prophetess Theresa Jewelry Collection walk in their purpose in style. | 10-15-2009 |
20090259481 | POINT OF SALE PERSONALIZATION OF AN INFORMATION HANDLING SYSTEM - A system for point of sale personalization of an information handling system (IHS), includes one or more subsystems to allow a customer to access a server to select a model of IHS, allow the customer to choose an operating system for the IHS, allow the customer to choose hardware for the IHS, simulate the IHS to the customer including the operating system and the hardware, receive personalization data from the customer, store the personalization data, assemble the IHS, including the hardware and installing the operating system, and download the personalization data to the IHS. | 10-15-2009 |
20090259482 | Intelligent Business Object Document System - A method, system and computer program product for providing an integrated environment for processing business object documents (BODs). The integrated environment utilizes an IntelliBod system to employ standard business semantics while adapting modified business terms. Applications requesting integration, or mapping, map to common business semantics of the BODs, and the IntelliBOD system manages the business semantic (and technical) integration of the applications. IntelliBOD systems utilize JAVA environments to process requests, thereby reducing cost and space required to maintain general purpose middleware. | 10-15-2009 |
20090259483 | Method for making a land management decision based on processed elevational data - A method for making a land management decision comprises surveying a field with a location-determining receiver to determine position data and corresponding elevation data. A data processor or elevation module determines an average elevation data for a zone within the field around a particular cell. The data processor or classifier classifies each cell into classifications comprising a depression cell and a summit cell based on the determined elevation difference between the particular cell and the average elevation. The data processor and the prescription module generate a prescription for the cells in the field based on at least one of the classification and the determined elevation difference. | 10-15-2009 |
20090259484 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR EMPLOYEE COMPENSATION PLANNING - Systems and methods for generating a compensation plan for an enterprise include core invariant modules and a plurality of dynamic modules. Enterprise-specific data is manipulated according to a set of enterprise-specific and enterprise-agnostic rules for compensation planning to calculate elements of the compensation plan, and those elements are presented for user review and modification according to view templates. As modifications are made to previously calculated elements of the compensation plan, the plan is recomputed and the effect of the modifications presented. | 10-15-2009 |
20090259485 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR THE CONTROL OF PERSONAL IDENTITIES IN VIRTUAL NETWORKED ENVIRONMENTS - Methods and systems to allow individuals participating in social networks to establish pseudonymity amongst people they know in real life or in a virtual context are disclosed. In one embodiment, the present invention provides the assignment of disposable aliases or other temporary forms of personal identity, such as an image, to users in a virtual network to obfuscate their real identities or persistent online identities. Another paradigm introduces the notion of a private group or “campfire” where invited users (whether initiated by an individual or systematically broadcast to a broad or limited group) are allowed or expected to use such dynamic aliases to facilitate protected online interaction, expression, and discourse with the group at large (campfire), rather than as multiple one-to-one conversations (hub and spoke). | 10-15-2009 |
20090265177 | SCHEDULED TELECOMMUNICATION SERVICE SUSPENSION - A user may selectively schedule or otherwise control the temporary suspension of telecommunication services to which they subscribe. In one implementation, a request to temporarily suspend a telecommunication service may be received from the user. The user's telecommunication service may be temporarily suspended and then later restarted at times indicated by the request. | 10-22-2009 |
20090265178 | Referral Lists for Tracking Distributed Content - Various embodiments described above can enable referral lists to be used in connection with distributed content to protect a referral infrastructure that is used with such content. In at least some embodiments, referral lists are protected using digital rights management (DRM) techniques. The DRM techniques can be used for a number of purposes including securely establishing a referring consumer, securely maintaining a chain of referring entities through distribution tracking, and maintaining control over the referral lists associated with distributed content. In at least some embodiments, DRM techniques are utilized to protect referral lists that are used in multi-level marketing networks. | 10-22-2009 |
20090265179 | System And Method For Providing A Packaging Recommendation To A Shipping Customer - A system and method for providing a packaging recommendation to a customer is disclosed. The system presents the customer with a merchandise list of merchandise, receives merchandise information from the customer about the particular characteristics of the merchandise, and generates a packaging recommendation via an interface to the customer. This merchandise information includes the type of merchandise being shipped by the customer to a definition, and may include any other information useful in generating the packaging recommendation. After referencing a packaging requirements matrix, the system presents the customer with a packaging recommendation via an interface. The packaging requirements may be easily modified by a system administrator without interrupting the operation of the system. The customer may also define particular merchandise to obtain a packaging recommendation in the event the merchandise is not included in the merchandise list. | 10-22-2009 |
20090265180 | MACHINE-READABLE END USER LICENSE AGREEMENT WITH AUTOMATED ACCEPTANCE - A method of representing a first end-user license agreement (EULA) offered to a user and automatically responding to a subsequent EULA offered to the user is disclosed. The representation may be in a logical language having parameters corresponding to legal terms of the EULA, logical operators, and the capability to form and nest logical expressions. A logical library may store parameters corresponding to legal terms. A logical expression may be created that corresponds to a user's term preferences, and may be evaluated using the terms of a subsequent EULA to automatically determine the user's acceptance or rejection of the subsequent EULA. A user's application preferences of the logical expressions and terms may be received and used by the method. EULA responses may be signified in a log and/or by sending a record or message to the offering party. A similar method is disclosed for other types of electronic agreements. | 10-22-2009 |
20090265181 | VALUATION USING CREDIT SCORE - A method of appraising the value of a property based on obtaining a credit score of an owner of a property and assigning an ownership responsibility indicator to the property. The ownership responsibility indicator provides insight into the condition of the property without performing a complete inspection. A more accurate value of the property can then be determined. | 10-22-2009 |
20090271205 | PREFERRED CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE PRESENTATION TO VIRTUAL UNIVERSE CLIENTS - The present invention is directed to presenting customer service representatives to a virtual universe client. A method for presenting a customer service representative (CSR) to a virtual universe client includes obtaining a preference(s) of the virtual universe client, and then presenting a virtual universe customer service representative (CSR) to the virtual universe client, based on the preference that was obtained. The invention allows virtual universe clients (“clients”), or customers, to experience consistent interaction quality with virtual universe CSR's, based on the client's stated preferences and/or interaction history in immersive support centers. This provides for consistency in the CSR experience for the client in that a virtual universe CSR may be staffed by varying human presences “behind” the avatar. | 10-29-2009 |
20090271206 | VIRTUAL WORLD SUBGROUP DETERMINATION AND SEGMENTATION FOR PERFORMANCE SCALABILITY - A system and method of decreasing server loads and, more particularly, to decrease server load by automatically determining subgroups based on object interactions and computational expenditures. The system includes a plurality of servers; a subgroup optimization module configured to segment a plurality of objects into optimal subgroups; and a server transfer module configured to apportion one or more of the optimal subgroups between the plurality of servers based on a load of each of the plurality of servers. The method includes determining a relationship amongst a plurality of objects; segmenting the objects into optimized subgroups based on the relationships; and apportioning the optimized subgroups amongst a plurality of servers based on server load. | 10-29-2009 |
20090271207 | Facility access management system - An enhanced delivery system ( | 10-29-2009 |
20090271208 | AUTOMATIC DATA TRANSMISSION IN RESPONSE TO CONTENT OF ELECTRONIC FORMS SATISFYING CRITERIA - Automatic transmission of information is generated when the content of a posted electronic form matches a predefined criteria. An interface allows the user to create a criterion template to specify the match criterion without requiring the user to have the skills of a professional programmer. The person to be notified and the form and content of the notification can also be defined by the user and can be dependent on the content of the posted form. In one application, individuals associated with an institution of higher learning are automatically notified when a student submits an electronic profile form showing that the student meets a pre-specified criteria. | 10-29-2009 |
20090271209 | System and Method for Tailoring Privacy in Online Social Networks - In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a method is provided that includes maintaining a plurality of identification bits associated with a user and a minimum personal privacy level identifying if any of the plurality of identification bits are authorized for disclosure, and receiving a request for one or more identification bits of the plurality of identification bits. The method also includes determining whether the identification bits of the request exceed the minimum personal privacy level, and if the identification bits of the request exceed the minimum personal privacy level, identifying to the user the identification bits of the request that exceed the minimum personal privacy level. A computer-readable recording medium having stored thereon computer-executable instructions is provided, and an exemplary system is provided. | 10-29-2009 |
20090271210 | EMPLOYEE BENEFITS MANAGEMENT SYSTEM - A Web-based, computer-driven health and welfare benefit system that groups employees into Eligibility Groups, limits available Business Rules to those available on a centrally authored pick list, allows disparate data files to be imported and offers flexible tools for employees to build customized internet interfaces for benefit management. End users, clients or implementers, such as service providers, benefit administrators or even a business' employees, may access the present system over the internet without needing to install the present invention's software on the end users' personal computers or computer systems. | 10-29-2009 |
20090271211 | DEVICE INCLUDING USER EXCLUSIVE DATA TAG - A consumer device is disclosed. The device comprises a body, and a memory comprising a computer readable medium disposed on or within the body. The computer readable medium comprises user exclusive data tag, which can be placed in a user exclusive data tag. | 10-29-2009 |
20090271212 | METHOD, SYSTEM, AND STORAGE DEVICE FOR USER MATCHING AND COMMUNICATION FACILITATION - A method, system, and storage device for user matching and communication facilitation capable of receiving responses to at least one profile from at least one user. The profile having at least two sections. The first section having answers about the user and the second section having answers about what the user is looking for in another user. The answers are stored in a database system and automatically compared to other user's answers. Points are awarded for matches between two users answers to the same profile and if the points exceed a preset threshold, the two users are given the opportunity to communicate. Weighting can be employed on a question by question basis in each profile to provide a more accurate match. Furthermore, users can create custom profiles. | 10-29-2009 |
20090276228 | TECHNIQUES FOR INTERNET CAFE SERVICE PROVIDER ACCESS - Techniques for Internet café service provider access are presented. An Internet café includes one or more computers that customers use to access the Internet. Each computer of the Internet café is provisioned with a virtual machine (VM), each VM is tailored with a particular operating system (OS) and suite of services. The OS's and suite of services are regularly updated over the Internet via a Internet café service provider to keep the VM's up-to-date via remote administration that is not needed on site at the Internet café. | 11-05-2009 |
20090276229 | METHODS OF MONITORING THE EFFECT OF NUTRITIONAL PRODUCTS - Methods of measuring the effects of nutritional products on a consumer and generating revenue from products related to same are provided. In a general embodiment, the present disclosure provides a method of monitoring one or more effects of a nutritional product on a consumer. The method comprises providing a nutritional product and a personal monitoring device for use by a consumer and measuring an effect that the nutritional product has on the consumer using the personal monitoring device. | 11-05-2009 |
20090276230 | AMASSING INFORMATION ABOUT COMMUNITY PARTICIPANT BEHAVIORS - Particular embodiments provide recommendations based on community affiliation. In one embodiment, the method determines a query from a target user. A community in which the target user is a member is then determined. The community may include a plurality of members that have joined the community based on a common interest. User activity information is analyzed for at least a portion of the members of the community to determine a recommendation for the query. The user activity information is determined to be of interest to the target user based on the target user's membership in the community. For example, based on the user's membership in the community, recommendations as to what other members in the community liked can be correlated to the query for the target user. Thus, the recommendation may be provided to the user based on what other users in the community liked. | 11-05-2009 |
20090276231 | Method and System for Job and Career Guidance, Planning, Strategy and Workforce Development - A method, system and computer program product for career guidance and planning, the method includes receiving an electronic request for guidance relating to procuring a job role in a particular job category; retrieving data relating to documented qualifications and retrieving data relating to the required qualifications necessary for at least one job role in the particular job category. The method and system also include comparing the documented qualifications with the required qualifications necessary for the at least one target job role in the particular job category and determining the differences between the documented qualifications and the required qualifications necessary for the at least one job role as well as displaying each difference between the documented qualifications and the required qualifications necessary for the at least one job role. The method and system also include retrieving data relating to the training necessary to address the skill gap between the documented qualifications and the required qualifications necessary for the at least one job role and providing at least one strategy and recommendation in response to the electronic request on how to efficiently develop the skills necessary to address the skill gap between the documented qualifications and the at least one target job role. | 11-05-2009 |
20090276232 | WARRANTY MONITORING AND ENFORCEMENT FOR INTEGRATED CIRCUIT - An integrated circuit (IC) including a warranty and enforcement system and a method are disclosed. In one embodiment, an IC includes a parameter obtainer for obtaining a value of a parameter of the IC; a warranty data storage system for storing warranty limit data regarding the IC; a comparator for determining whether a warranty limit has been exceeded by comparing the value of the parameter to a corresponding warranty limit; and an action taker for taking a prescribed action in response to the warranty limit being exceeded. | 11-05-2009 |
20090276233 | COMPUTERIZED CREDIBILITY SCORING - A credibility engine creates individual credibility scores and network credibility scores that are distinguished from purely economic credit scores and which can be used to objectively rate a comparative value of credibility for entities and entity networks. The credibility engine analyzes credibility related information obtained from information providers and calculates corresponding credibility scores that are provided to information requesters. Some of the credibility related information used to create the credibility scores is obtained from surveys or reviews provided to primary and secondary sources having corresponding primary and secondary relationships with the entity. The entity can be an individual or organization. | 11-05-2009 |
20090276234 | Method and system for predicting credit ratings transitions - A system and method is provided for allowing users to create portfolios of issuers and macroeconomic scenarios used to determine pertinent rating facts and future paths of macroeconomic drivers. The system and method use the pertinent rating facts and the future paths of macroeconomic drivers, namely unemployment rates and high yield spreads, as inputs to a Credit Transition Model (CTM). The system and method generate a complete set of rating transitions, including predicting the probability of default, while taking into account withdrawal of issuers to more accurately reflect default rates. The system and method provide users with multiple choices for outputs from the CTM and can easily and quickly generate results from the model. | 11-05-2009 |
20090276235 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS TO FACILITATE ETHNOGRAPHIC MEASUREMENTS - Example methods and apparatus to facilitate ethnographic measurements are disclosed. A disclosed example method includes transmitting a first survey question set to a wireless device associated with a respondent and receiving a response from the wireless device, the response indicative of a mood of the respondent, and transmitting a second survey question set to the respondent, the second survey question set based on the respondent mood. | 11-05-2009 |
20090276236 | METHODS, SYSTEMS, AND COMPUTER PROGRAM PRODUCTS FOR IMPLEMENTING A LOCATOR SERVICE - Methods, systems, and computer program products for implementing a locator service are provided. A method includes receiving object identification information and location identification information from a vehicle. The location identification information indicates the presence of the vehicle at a parking space. The method also includes creating an occupancy record that includes the object identification information and the location identification information. The method further includes receiving a request to locate the vehicle during an exiting process, the request including at least a portion of the objection identification information. The method further includes retrieving the location identification information from the occupancy record associated with the object identification information, and presenting the location identification information of the parking space to the operator. The location identification information is received at the computer system via a radio frequency identifier associated with the parking space. | 11-05-2009 |
20090281816 | ACCOUNT ABUSE DETECTION OR PREVENTION DEVICE, DATA COLLECTION DEVICE, AND ACCOUNT ABUSE DETECTION OR PREVENTION PROGRAM - An account abuse detection or prevention device, a data collection device, and an account abuse detection or prevention program, which are capable of promptly detecting or preventing abuse of an account. | 11-12-2009 |
20090281817 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PREDICTING WAIT TIME FOR SERVICE TRANSACTIONS - Systems and methods are provided to automatically predict wait times for customers to obtain service transactions at a service establishment, wherein wait times are estimated based on a combination of wait time values determined from current and historical service information that is collected, stored and processed over time. | 11-12-2009 |
20090281818 | QUALITY OF SERVICE AWARE SCHEDULING FOR COMPOSITE WEB SERVICE WORKFLOWS - A method of assigning web service requests to service providers includes searching for an optimal assignment from all possible assignments using a genetic algorithm (GA) that represents possible assignments as chromosomes, and converging towards an assignment of web service request to service providers that maximizes overall business value for all workflows to the service providers. An adaptive mutation scheme is used to introduce mutation into populations of chromosomes. The mutation scheme includes a mutation rate that increases when chromosomes under evaluation fail to improve its workload against the metric over a certain number of generations. | 11-12-2009 |
20090281819 | DATA DRIVEN COMPONENT REPUTATION - Various technologies and techniques are disclosed for observing the real-world performance of components and using the collected data to improve other user experiences. Configuration data, usage data, and user experience data are collected for components on observed solution instances. The configuration data, usage data, and user experience data are analyzed to generate component diagnostic data that can be used to make recommendations to one or more advised solution instances as to how to correct a problem being experienced on the one or more advised solution instances. In one implementation, the component diagnostic data generated includes a reputation rating for each of the components. | 11-12-2009 |
20090281820 | METHOD AND SYSTEM TO QUANTIFY PERFORMANCE OF A POWER GENERATING SYSTEM - A method for quantifying performance of a power generating system is provided. The method includes empirically determining an actual relationship between input of an uncontrollable resource and power output of the power generating system. The method also includes determining a desired relationship between input of an uncontrollable resource and power output of the power generating system. The method further includes comparing the actual relationship to the desired relationship. The method also includes determining a plurality of financial parameters for the power generating system based on the comparison. | 11-12-2009 |
20090281821 | Systems and methods for goal attainment in alumni giving - Systems and methods are provided for electronically correlating pre-graduation student interactions with one or more post-graduation alumni giving outcomes. The systems and methods comprise capturing pre-graduation student interaction data and capturing post-graduation student data. The systems and methods determine one or more post-graduation alumni giving outcomes from the captured post-graduation student data, and correlate the pre-graduation student interaction data elements with the one or more post-graduation alumni giving outcomes. The systems and methods determine which captured pre-graduation student interaction data elements and/or post-graduation student data elements have increased correlation with the one or more post-graduation outcomes. Factor analysis may be used to determine which pre-graduation and/or post-graduation captured data elements have an increased correlation with the post-graduation outcomes. | 11-12-2009 |
20090287497 | Real-time profile-matched peer to peer personal crisis response - Real-time profile-matched peer to peer personal crisis response is provided. A personal crisis can be related to a behavioral change, such as weight loss. A user of a computer implemented social network undergoing a personal crisis can make a request for help to be broadcasted to other users. Another user can select the requesting user to provide help to the help requester. The helper and requester are connected through a real-time communication. Rating capabilities are also provided for the requester to rate the helper. Users of the social network have user profiles and user attributes used for matching a potential helping user with the appropriate requesting users. User matching can also be based on the user ratings. | 11-19-2009 |
20090287498 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR STREAMLINED REGISTRATION OF ELECTRONIC PRODUCTS OVER A COMMUNICATION NETWORK AND FOR VERIFICATION AND MANAGEMENT OF INFORMATION RELATED THERETO - The system and method of the present invention provide integrated or embedded components, for electronic (or other) products, each operable to securely store and selectively provide access to, a unique ID (UID) previously assigned to its corresponding specific product, where the UID of each product is registered with one or more particular UID registration centers over at least one communication network, and associated with one or more data records stored in a corresponding database file at the particular UID registration center, the data records being inclusive of information related to the product, the product purchase history, current ownership, etch, and wherein one or more authorized parties may subsequently advantageously utilize at least one UID (and optionally a verifier) to access, verify, edit, transfer, transmit, and/or otherwise manage at least one information item related to the one or more corresponding registered products in their UID registration center database file. Also provided is an optimized process for verifiable transfer of ownership rights between a product's authorized owner and intended recipient, the transfer process being implemented over at least one communication network with graphical user interfaces provided for each party, where the transfer of ownership rights involves association of the product's UID with the receiving party's data record and confirming ownership transfer, and optional transfer of additional product-related information from the former product owner to the current recipient. | 11-19-2009 |
20090287499 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR AUTOMATICALLY PROVISIONING A DEVICE AND REGISTERING VEHICLE MODULES WITH A TELEMATICS SERVICES PROVIDER - Upon crank-up of a newly manufactured vehicle, a TCU seeks a GPS. The TCU queries an equipment information table in a memory and determines if the table is empty. If the table is empty and the TCU detects a GPS signal, the TCU requests equipment information from modules installed in the vehicle, including an ECM, a PCM, a TCM, and other various modules typically installed in vehicles. The information typically includes a module name or type, a module's serial number, version of current software, and for some modules, the VIN of the vehicle. The TCU automatically associates the module equipment information with the VIN gleaned from one of the modules, automatically forms a message with the equipment information including the VIN, and then automatically transmits the message to a telematics services provider's centrally located server. The server automatically associates equipment information, TCU identifier, and subscriber identity information with the VIN. | 11-19-2009 |
20090292545 | CREATING, MANAGING, AND PROVISIONING PACKAGES OF ONLINE APPLICATIONS - Methods and computer-readable media are provided herein for implementing custom application programming interfaces (API) for creating, managing, and provisioning packages of online applications. An offer management service API is implemented that provides methods for creating and modifying offers for packages of online applications. An offer provisioning API is implemented that provides methods enabling the provisioning of online applications for subscribers to offers. An application provider API is published and utilized to provision and maintain individual instances of online applications provided by application providers. | 11-26-2009 |
20090292546 | Human Resources Employment Method - Various embodiments of this invention disclose a computer-aided human resources employment system and method that electronically captures and shares, in real-time, human resources and unemployment events and the completed forms that relate to those events. Other embodiments of this invention disclose a computer-aided system for managing human resources and unemployment forms and data captured in those forms. Another embodiment of the invention relates to a system and method for managing unemployment claims. This invention also relates to a human resources employment computer-based product that manages human resources and unemployment forms and database information. | 11-26-2009 |
20090292547 | Auction Trading Interface - In an auction order display, the market is displayed on a screen where bids and offers are displayed along two lines. The corresponding bid and offer prices are, for example, in two columns, with the offer and bid columns displayed side by side, and the corresponding bid and offer prices aligned. In that way, a trader can instantly get a view of the current market, and decisions can be made more quickly. | 11-26-2009 |
20090292548 | METHOD, SYSTEM, AND PROGRAM PRODUCT FOR INFORMATION EDITORIAL CONTROLS - A method for information editorial controls includes a group of members in an online community receiving authorization a category of editorially-controlled content. A first editor of the group in the online community receives authorization to the category of editorially-controlled content. A member of the group rates published comments within a predefined range. A contributing member of the group submits additional comments. The first editor reviews the additional comments to determine suitability for incorporation into the category of editorially-controlled content and determines whether to award points to the contributing member within a predefined range. The first editor incorporates suitable additional comments into the category of editorially-controlled content and publishes an edited category of editorially-controlled content wherein the suitable additional comments improves the content of the category. Members of the group receive contribution points based in part on their awarded points and rating of their published comments. | 11-26-2009 |
20090292549 | SOCIAL NETWORK CONSTRUCTION BASED ON DATA ASSOCIATION - A system for social network construction. Video analytics and association may be used to develop a social network. Also, social groups may be developed from temporal proximity of persons. In the case of several social networks, they may be collapsed into one network or a weighted graph that mining algorithms can handle. | 11-26-2009 |
20090292550 | METHOD FOR CALCULATING THE OPTIMAL TIMES FOR AN EVENT - A method for planning an event with a computer system that includes the steps of gathering the constraints, creating filtered layers based on the constraints, intersecting at least two filtered layers, and determining at least one optimal time for the event. In another preferred embodiment, the method for planning an event includes the steps of gathering the constraints, creating filtered layers based on the constraints, intersecting at least two filtered layers, and determining at least one set of event details. | 11-26-2009 |
20090299759 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR DEFEATING THE MAN IN THE MIDDLE COMPUTER HACKING TECHNIQUE - A method for constructing a secure Internet transaction, the method includes: receiving a user identification (userid) and user password on a client device for filling out a form generated by a secure web site; concatenating the user's Internet Protocol (IP) address with a separate password that is maintained on the secure web site that the user is authenticating to; encrypting the concatenated user IP and separate password to form an Internet Protocol password (IPPW); wherein the encrypting is carried out with a client device linear feedback shift register (LFSR) with a defined cycle count; building a transaction consisting of the IPPW, defined cycle count, and userid; transmitting the transaction and form via a network towards the secure web site; wherein in response the secure website performs the following: decrypts the IPPW, and determines if the IP portion of the decrypted IPPW is equal to the user's IP address. | 12-03-2009 |
20090299760 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MAXIMIZING THE EFFICIENCY AND EFFECTIVENESS OF NONPROFIT SCIENTIFIC AND OTHER RESEARCH - A computer-implemented system for the exchange of proposed scientific and other research projects and the submission of solutions to such projects. The system facilitates the posting of proposed research projects and the submission of solutions to such projects prepared by interested researchers. The solutions are reviewed according to criteria specified by the research proposal, and, in the event the solutions are accepted, compensation may be paid to the researcher upon transfer of the intellectual property rights in the solution. Subsequent dissemination of the information to the public is also contemplated. | 12-03-2009 |
20090306995 | System and Method for Automated Testing of Complicated Dialog Systems - Embodiments of an automated dialog system testing method and component are described. This automated testing method and system supplements real human-based testing with simulated user input and incorporates a set of evaluation measures that focus on three basic aspects of task-oriented dialog systems, namely, understanding ability, efficiency, and the appropriateness of system actions. These measures are first applied on a corpus generated between a dialog system and a group of human users to demonstrate the validity of these measures with the human users' satisfaction levels. Results generally show that these measures are significantly correlated with these satisfaction levels. A regression model is then built to predict the user satisfaction scores using these evaluation measures. The regression model is applied on a simulated dialog corpus trained from the above real user corpus, and show that the user satisfaction score estimated from the simulated dialogs do not significantly differ from the real users' satisfaction scores. These evaluation measures can then be used to assess the system performance based on the estimated user satisfaction. | 12-10-2009 |
20090306996 | RATING COMPUTATION ON SOCIAL NETWORKS - A social network may be used to determine a rating of a user with no prior history. The ratings for unrated nodes may be inferred from the existing ratings of users associated with the unrated node in either or both the underlying social network or other social networks. Additionally in some implementations, the effect of the rating of a rated node to an unrated node diminishes as the strength of their relationships decreases. In some cases, a social network may be modeled as an electrical network, and ratings may be modeled as voltages on the nodes of the social network, relationships in the social network may be modeled as connections in the electrical network, and in some cases the strength of relationships may be modeled as conductance of the connections. Ratings for nodes may be determined using Kirchhoff's Law and in some cases by solving a set of linear equations or by propagating positive and negative ratings using a random walk with absorbing states. | 12-10-2009 |
20090306997 | System and method for regulating fuel transactions - A method and system for regulating fuel transactions is provided. Fuel consumption data may be received corresponding to a first and second vehicle location. The difference between the first and second fuel consumption is determined to obtain an overall or combined fuel consumption value. In some examples, the fuel consumption data is transferred from a vehicle data system to a carrier data system located remotely from the vehicle. The data is processed at the carrier data system and the overall fuel consumption is transmitted to a fueling point to limit the amount of fuel transferred to the vehicle. In some arrangements, the limit may be adjusted to include additional factors such as additional distance to travel to the fueling point, anticipated distance to be traveled in subsequent legs of the trip, etc. | 12-10-2009 |
20090306998 | DESKTOP ACCESS FROM WITHIN A VIRTUAL UNIVERSE - An approach that provides desktop access from within a virtual universe is described. In one embodiment, there is a desktop invocation component configured to invoke a client computer desktop from within a virtual universe in response to receiving a request to access the client computer desktop from within the virtual universe. A rendering component is configured to generate a rendition of the client computer desktop in the virtual universe in response to the invoking thereof. An interaction component is configured to permit interaction with the client computer desktop from the rendition in the virtual universe. | 12-10-2009 |
20090306999 | CONVERSATIONAL PARALLELISM FOR MESSAGE PROCESSING - A system and method for processing messages in an enterprise resource planning (ERP) system is provided. A processing service generates a snapshot of a message queue, which contains a plurality of messages to be processed by the ERP system. Each message has an associated conversation, identified by a unique combination of an endpoint, channel, and subconversation identifier. For each conversation, the processing service determines whether messages of the conversation are to be processed in serial or in parallel, based on the subconversation identifier of the conversation. When the messages of the conversation are to be processed in serial, a task is created to process the messages serially. Alternatively, when the messages of the conversation are to be processed in parallel, a task is created for each of the messages. The messages of each task are processed serially by the task, while each task is executed in parallel with other tasks. | 12-10-2009 |
20090307000 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR GLOBALLY MONITORING AIRCRAFT COMPONENTS - A method for monitoring information of at least one unemployed aircraft components includes monitoring information relating to each of the unemployed aircraft components, transmitting the information from each location of each the unemployed aircraft components to a remotely located central control, and collecting the information in a computer-readable medium associated with the central control to thereby provide remote access of the information. | 12-10-2009 |
20090307001 | CRM CLIENT ARCHITECTURE CONDUCIVE TO INTERACTION WITH OTHER APPLICATIONS EXECUTING IN THE SAME CLIENT SYSTEM - A CRM client architecture conducive to interaction with other applications executing in a same client system. In an embodiment, an agent is displayed a toolbar in response to an incoming contact from a CRM server, and the user can select one of the options based on the buttons contained in the toolbar. When the user selects an appropriate button (e.g., accept option), the CRM client application is executed to facilitate the handling of the incoming contact by the agent. On a reject option being selected by the agent, a corresponding action (e.g., appropriate notification to a CRM server) may be performed. | 12-10-2009 |
20090307002 | System and Method for Communicating Targeted Health Related Data - The present invention provides a system and a method for communicating targeted health related data. The method includes targeting the consumers with an advertisement content and registering the consumers upon the selection of the advertisement. The registering includes capturing and storing the personal profile and health related data of the consumer and/or member(s) of this household. The method further includes processing the stored data to provide the consumer with the targeted content relevant to the consumer. The method further includes retrieving additional healthographic profiling of the consumer and the activity of the consumer to and further processing with the stored data to provide the consumer with an advertisement content targeted to the consumer and/or member(s) of his/her household. | 12-10-2009 |
20090307003 | SOCIAL ADVERTISEMENT NETWORK - Activity systems and methods for social networks are provided in which user activities are gathered and matched with advertisers and/or publishers and displayed by publishers. Paid links or units can also be attached to these displayed user activities to provide revenue to the user, advertiser and/or publisher. The gathering and matching may be enhanced by a message classifier and an optimizer. | 12-10-2009 |
20090307004 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR MENTORED CREATION OF A PATENT APPLICATION - A computer implemented method for creating a patent application includes presenting a user with a questionnaire comprising at least one question relating to an invention and receiving answers to the questionnaire. The method also includes conducting a search based on the answers to the questionnaire and creating a preliminary search report based on references located in the search. The method further includes transmitting the preliminary search report to the user and receiving feedback of the preliminary search report from the user. The method still further comprises creating a detailed opinion report based on the feedback received from the user, transmitting the detailed opinion report to the user, and drafting patent application based on the detailed opinion report. The method further contemplates creating a patent application through filling in the blank, whether using a suggested answer templates question by question or by direct insertion of specific information into a patent application template. | 12-10-2009 |
20090307005 | APPARATUS FOR IMPROVED SORTATION AND DELIVERY POINT PROCESSING OF MILITARY MAIL - The invention seeks to improve the effectiveness of sortation and delivery point processing of military mail on behalf of the U.S. military. A method for distributing military mail includes the steps of compiling military unit and associated delivery code information into a computer searchable military address management system database which associates a military unit zip code with a current geographic location for that unit; obtaining military unit personnel change of address information from a number of sources including a national change of address database maintained by a federal postal service and input from a military unit to which a military mail recipient belongs, which information is compiled into a computer searchable military change of address database, which information includes change of address information more recent than change of address information reflected in a federal national change of address database; and using information from the military address management system database and the military change of address database to redirect incorrectly addressed mail pieces to a military mail recipient's current address. | 12-10-2009 |
20090313030 | PROCESS AND SYSTEM FOR GEOGRAPHICALLY OPTIMIZING THE NET DISPOSABLE INCOME OF A USER - A computer-based system and process optimize the net disposable income (NDI) of a user based on location. The user populates a profile with user values, and a report is generated containing an optimal geographic match. The match can include locations which minimize financial liabilities to the user, and/or which maximize the NDI of the user, and/or which utilize a formula based at least partially on preferences provided by the user profile. Taxes are considered which are related to each location and expenses based on lifestyle, preferences, and other needs. The system includes a computing device with a central processing unit (CPU), memory, and permanent storage, a display, a user interface, and a program for implementing the process for optimizing the NDI of the user. The program is executable by the computing device, and can be made available over a network communication via Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) and Internet Protocol (IP). | 12-17-2009 |
20090313031 | Systems and Methods To sort Listings of Different Types - Systems and methods are provided to facilitate the presentation of listings of different types as an ordered list. For example, subscription listings and pay for performance listings can be sorted into a mixed list to balance the protection of subscriptions for stable and long term revenue, and the presentation of pay for performance listings that can increase short term revenue. | 12-17-2009 |
20090313032 | Maintaining Energy Principal Preferences for a Vehicle by a Remote Preferences Service - A computer implemented method, apparatus, and computer usable program product for managing user preferences on remote computing device for utilization in electric vehicle charging transactions is provided. In one embodiment, in response to a determination that a set of preferences for an identified principal are available on a removable data storage device, a first preference service retrieves the set of preferences from the removable data storage device. In response to a determination that the set of preferences are stored on a second computing device associated with a second preference service, the first preference service sends a request for the set of preferences to the second preference service. The first preference service receives the set of preferences from the second preference service and sends the set of preferences to the energy transaction planner. The first preference service is a proxy for the energy transaction planner and the second preference service. | 12-17-2009 |
20090313033 | Generating Energy Transaction Plans - A computer implemented method, apparatus, and computer program product for generating an energy transaction plan to manage an electric vehicle charging transaction. The energy transaction planner identifies an electric vehicle associated with a charging station and a set of principals associated with a charging transaction for the electric vehicle. The charging transaction is a transaction associated with at least one of charging the electric vehicle, storing electric power in an electric storage mechanism associated with the electric vehicle, and de-charging the electric vehicle. The energy transaction planner receives charging transaction information. The charging transaction information comprises requirements, constraints, and preferences applicable to the charging transaction. The energy transaction planner generates an energy transaction plan based on the charging transaction information. The energy transaction plan comprises terms for governing all aspects of the charging transaction. | 12-17-2009 |
20090313034 | Generating Dynamic Energy Transaction Plans - A computer implemented method, apparatus, and computer program product for generating a dynamic energy transaction plan to manage an electric vehicle charging transaction. The dynamic energy transaction planner generates a dynamic energy transaction plan based on the charging transaction information. The dynamic energy transaction plan comprises a first set of terms of the charging transaction. An initial portion of the charging transaction is controlled according to the first set of terms of the dynamic energy transaction plan. The dynamic energy transaction planner receives updated charging transaction information during execution of the charging transaction; and updates the dynamic energy transaction plan based on the updated charging transaction information to form an updated dynamic energy transaction plan. The updated dynamic energy transaction plan comprises a second set of terms. A second portion of the charging transaction is implemented according to the second set of terms in the updated dynamic energy transaction plan. | 12-17-2009 |
20090313035 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR DETERMINING SERVICES PRICING - A method of determining services pricing, the method comprising: a server receiving vehicle identification information from a user via a network connection, wherein the vehicle identification information indicates a vehicle type; the server receiving service type information from the user via the network connection, wherein the service type information indicates a service type; the server determining an estimate range based on the vehicle identification information and the service type information, wherein the estimate range comprises a minimum value and maximum value for the indicated vehicle type and service type, and wherein determining the estimate range comprises determining a labor estimate and a parts estimate; and the server providing the estimate range to the user via the network connection. | 12-17-2009 |
20090313036 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR ADMINISTERING COMPLIANCE WITH INTERNATIONAL SHIPPING REQUIREMENTS - There are provided methods and systems for facilitating international shipment of goods that enable centralized control of both the establishment of and any changes to international shipping requirements. Users can conveniently query the system through remote terminals. Requirement information is provided in a user-useful and friendly manner including matrices of core requirements relating to all shipments and country specific requirements relating to specified origination and/or destination countries. Compliance testing is provided by which a user can evaluate a particular international shipment for compliance with requirements particular to that shipment. | 12-17-2009 |
20090313037 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR ADMINISTERING COMPLIANCE WITH INTERNATIONAL SHIPPING REQUIREMENTS - There are provided methods and systems for facilitating international shipment of goods that enable centralized control of both the establishment of and any changes to international shipping requirements. Users can conveniently query the system through remote terminals. Requirement information is provided in a user-useful and friendly manner including matrices of core requirements relating to all shipments and country specific requirements relating to specified origination and/or destination countries. Compliance testing is provided by which a user can evaluate a particular international shipment for compliance with requirements particular to that shipment. | 12-17-2009 |
20090319284 | Method and device for verifying postage when moving postal articles over an electronic parcel compartment system - A method for verifying postage when moving postal articles over an electronic parcel compartment system, during which non-recurring identification codes are allocated for postage stamps and stored in a storage means which associated status indicators. When a postage stamp with an identification codes is output, the associated status indicator is set to 1, whereas non-allocated identification codes have status indicator 2. In addition, identification codes that had been allocated with a postage stamp that, however, had already served for a delivery of a postal article in a parcel compartment system, are likewise set to status 2. If an identification code, which has not been stored in the storage means or the status indicator thereof is 2, is detected when placing a postal article in a parcel compartment system, a processing means releases a signal. This signal initiates a refusal to accept the postal article and/or initiates a storing of the customer data of the customer who wanted to insert the postal article. The invention also relates to a parcel compartment system for carrying out the disclosed method. | 12-24-2009 |
20090319285 | TECHNIQUES FOR MANAGING DISRUPTIVE BUSINESS EVENTS - Various technologies and techniques are disclosed for managing disruptive business events. A selection is received from a user to associate one or more items in a content repository with one or more disruptive business events. Once items are associated with events, the business processes around those items change based upon predefined event settings defined on the business events. As users interact with the one or more items associated with the disruptive business event during a normal course of business, one or more actions associated with the event settings are applied. Items associated with disruptive business events can be assigned at different levels in a hierarchy in the content repository. Other applications can retrieve data regarding the disruptive business events. | 12-24-2009 |
20090319286 | PERSONAL SERVICE ASSISTANCE IN A VIRTUAL UNIVERSE - A method of providing personal service assistance in a virtual universe is disclosed. The method provides a customer avatar (CA) access to a personal assistance avatar or personal customer service representative (PCSR) avatar, hereinafter PCSR avatar. Through the PCSR avatar, the CA communicates a need or requests for personal service assistance from a business or organization. The communication of the received request is processed to identify an appropriate business, organization or vendor that meets the need or request. The identified business, organization or vendor is contacted for a representative from the business to accede to the request from the CA. The representative from the business is allowed to assume control of the PCSR avatar to conduct the session necessary for rendering the assistance or transaction. Upon completion of the session, control of the PCSR avatar is reverted to that prior to the session. | 12-24-2009 |
20090319287 | AUTHENTICATION SEGMENTATION - Methods and systems of authentication segmentation to selectively apply authentication tools to target high risk segments of transactions and entities. The methods and systems identify a plurality of fraud reduction tools and determine segmentation metrics associated with the plurality of fraud reduction tools. One or more segments are determined based on the segmentation metrics using fraud data and the best candidates of the one or more segments is identified. One or more fraud reduction tools is selected that target the best candidates. | 12-24-2009 |
20090319288 | SUGGESTING CONTACTS FOR SOCIAL NETWORKS - A social network is managed by applying connectivity and similarity measures to social network information to identify possible new relationships between social network users, and then automatically suggest those identified relationships to the social network users. The social network information can include user profile information and indicate existing social relationships between the users in the social network. Users can provide feedback regarding the suggestions, including indications whether the relationship was accepted, consummated, or declined. The social network information can be updated using the feedback. Similarity measures can be based on one or more of shared contacts, or common interests or activities, or content associated with social network users, or ratings within the social network of users and/or their content. Possible relationships having similarity measures that suggest the users likely to already know each other, can be omitted and not suggested. | 12-24-2009 |
20090319289 | Internet-Based Method and Apparatus for Career and Professional Development via Structured Feedback Loop - Methods and apparatus for generating feedback, reviewing feedback, and conducting interviews by use of VMocks are provided. A VMock, or Virtual Mock, is a virtual profile of a candidate that includes resume, text, video and a document. VMock profiles may be created that have one or more VMocks. Contacts associated with the VMock profile may be managed. Feedback may be requested from the contacts concerning the one or more VMocks, who may then generate the requested feedback. The feedback may then be reviewed. This feedback process may be performed in the context of interviews for employment opportunities and in other similar situations. | 12-24-2009 |
20090319290 | ECONOMIC SOLUTION TO THE SPAM PROBLEM - An economic-based solution is provided for regulating electronic messages (commonly referred to as spam). Analogous to a standard bond mechanism, delivering email to an inbox requires an unknown sender to place a small pledge into escrow with a third party. If the recipient expects further communication with a particular sender, they can add the sender to a list of approved senders which will allow the sender's messages to be delivered to the recipient. An innovative method for managing this list of approved senders is described in the present application. A technique for soliciting electronic messages using the underlying principles of the bond mechanism is also set forth in the application. | 12-24-2009 |
20090326964 | EXTENSIBLE AGENT-BASED LICENSE STRUCTURE - An extensible licensing system is described that allows modification of the way a product is licensed by third parties after the product has been released. The third party provides a licensing agent that includes a user interface that supplants the user interface for licensing provided by the application. The system invokes the third party licensing agent to obtain licensing information from the user. The system receives licensing information from the licensing agent and allows the application to function using the licensing information. Thus, a third party can create a seamless licensing experience where the user performs licensing steps for one or more applications through the third party's integrated user interface. | 12-31-2009 |
20090326965 | BULK MEDIA - The described implementations relate to bulk media. One technique allows a user to select songs to be installed on a media player device and installs the selected songs on the media player device. The technique also charges the user for the selected songs based on an amount of storage that the selected songs occupy on the media player device. | 12-31-2009 |
20090326966 | Browsing and Quality of Service Features - Embodiments are configured to provide browsing and other functionality that can be used to provide viewable data based in part on a current viewable space of a browser interface, but the embodiments are not so limited. In an embodiment, components of a system can operate to communicate viewable data to a browser engine based in part on a configuration of the browser engine and/or a display architecture. In one embodiment, a computing device includes a browser application that can be used to provide data associated with viewable portions of a browser display, wherein the provided data can be used to monetize advertising revenue according to monetization and/or advertising requirements. | 12-31-2009 |
20090326967 | AUTOMATED FRIEND FINDER - Disclosed are methods and apparatus for automatically connecting individuals. A private profile of an individual may be automatically generated. The private profile of the individual may be automatically compared with private profiles of a set of individuals such that one or more of the set of individuals are identified as matches for the individual, wherein the private profile of the individual includes private data and each of the private profiles of the set of individuals includes private data. The private profile of the individual is not publicly available to other individuals that have access to a public profile of the individual. The individual may be automatically notified that the individual has been matched with the one or more individuals, thereby enabling the individual to initiate communication with the one or more individuals. The similarities between the private profile of the individual and the private profiles of the one or more individuals are not revealed to the individual or the one or more individuals. | 12-31-2009 |
20090326968 | Remotely Retrieving Merged Documents Relating to Cargo for Various Checkpoints - A shipper ships cargo from an origin to a destination and has documentation in an electronic form for a requester regarding the cargo. The requester is logged into the retrieval system and an interface of the retrieval system is provided to the logged-in requestor to allow same to search for items of documentation relating to such requester and such cargo based on indicia associated with each item. The search results include a number of items of documentation, and an identification of a number of particular ones of the items in the set of search results is received from the requester. The retrieval system creates a merged electronic document containing all of the identified items of documentation and the created merged document is delivered from the retrieval system to one of the requester and a destination selected by the requester. | 12-31-2009 |
20090326969 | Method and Apparatus for Managing the Disposition of Data in Systems When Data is on Legal Hold - This disclosure relates to systems, methods and apparatuses for managing the disposition of data for an event consumer while taking into account whether data has been held from disposition. | 12-31-2009 |
20090326970 | AWARDING USERS FOR DISCOVERIES OF CONTENT BASED ON FUTURE POPULARITY IN A SOCIAL NETWORK - A reputation system used in a social networking service provides for recognition for its members in the form of badges that can be displayed on the members' profile pages as a way of indicating a particular status. In various illustrative examples, a “tastemaker” badge may be awarded to a member who plays or recommends to other members (through various recommendation channels such as messages, shared playlists, etc.) particular pieces of media content such as songs or videos in advance of that content becoming popular with the larger community of members in the social network. The tastemaker badge can then be placed on the member's profile page as a symbol of recognition or achievement that can help to increase that member's reputation in the social network. | 12-31-2009 |
20090326971 | METHOD FOR MANAGING PACKAGE DELIVERY - A method for managing package delivery may include receiving a plurality of packages. Each package may include a bar code or RFID tag associating the package with personal profile information. A delivery route plan may be generated based on the personal profile information. The estimated delivery time may be transmitted to the recipient in advance of the delivery. An electronic reply communication including a location of the recipient may be received from a notified recipient either confirming the delivery or proposing an alternate delivery time or location. The delivery route plan may be recalculated based on the retrieved personal profile information, the alternate delivery time or location if proposed by the recipient, and/or the current location of the recipient to identify alternate delivery time and location options. A confirmation selecting one of the alternate delivery time and location options or reconfirming the delivery may be received from the recipient. | 12-31-2009 |
20090326972 | Global identity protector e-commerce payment code certified processing system - An identity theft protection system and method which employs several security features to prevent identity theft on all levels. The system employs a member's address and telephone number as a Global Identity Protector, security code and lock for social security numbers, to prevent the issuing of identity theft debit or credit cards, online and over the telephone, and mail. The locking address also prevents account hijacking, preventing checks and credit cards from being mailed to identity thieves. The address blocks fraud on anything that is mailed. The system employs a computer generated photo copy of the member's ID or drivers license, to prevent fraud on all big, and small ticket items, and preventing identity theft bank fraud on checking accounts and medical records. The system protects its members against stolen and counterfeit checks, the system will ID the owner of the checking account at the cash register. | 12-31-2009 |
20090326973 | INTERACTIVE USER INTERFACE FOR DISPLAYING CORRELATION - Methods and systems for providing a user interface to a user may comprise finding a degree of similarity between each of a plurality of potential similar companies and a focal company. From the plurality of potential similar companies, at least one similar company may be selected having a degree of similarity with the focal company that is greater than a first threshold. An identifier of the focal company may be listed in a focal company field. Identifiers for the at least one similar company may be listed in a similar company field. Certain of the identifiers listed in the similar company field may include a hyperlink which, when activated by a user, causes a computer system to list the company corresponding to the activated hyperlink as a new focal company in the focal company field; determine at least one new similar company having a degree of similarity with the new focal company that is greater than the first threshold; and display the at least one new similar company at the similar company field. | 12-31-2009 |
20100004938 | SOFTWARE LICENSING SYSTEM - A software management method, including storing customer identifying information in a customer register, storing a subscription agreement of a customer in a subscription agreement register, creating at least one license corresponding to the subscription agreement, storing the license in a license register, generating at least one key corresponding to a scope of the license, and providing the key to the customer. | 01-07-2010 |
20100004939 | POSTAL INDICIA GENERATING SYSTEM AND METHOD - A method for generating a postal indicia associated with a mailpiece is disclosed. The method includes generating an indicia data stream including a postal information segment and a security segment that is based upon the postal information segment and modifying a portion of the security segment to include additional information, thereby defining a modified indicia data stream. | 01-07-2010 |
20100004940 | Social Profile Assessment - An embodiment provides a computer implemented method for social profile assessment. The computer implemented method receives a request from a first user for an assessment, and sends questionnaires to a set of assessors for the first user. Upon receiving questionnaires from the set of assessors to form completed questionnaires, the computer implemented method generates an unadjusted social style assessment for the first user. Upon receiving a request from a second user for the social style assessment of the first user, the computer implemented method determines whether there are common assessors between the first user and the second user, and responsive to a determination that there are common assessors between the first user and the second user, generates an adjusted social style assessment for the first user, and returns the adjusted social style assessment for the first user to the second user. | 01-07-2010 |
20100004941 | Method and Apparatus for Generating Customized Provisioning Workflows from One Flow Models - A method and apparatus for provisioning customized information technology (IT) service workflows based on selection and concatenation. The method and apparatus matches tasks required to fulfill service requests to existing models and creates alternative service models to perform similar requests. The method and apparatus enables the development of customized run-time workflow and service task artifacts in response to information technology (IT) service requests based on selection and concatenation such that known and alternative workflows are quickly and reliably provisioned. The customized workflows are also compliant with process optimization methods such as Lean Six Sigma, Kaizen and others. | 01-07-2010 |
20100004942 | FRAUD DETECTION - A fraud detection methodology is disclosed wherein a map is divided into population mapping areas, and a level of normal legitimate activity for each area is calculated and stored. When activity levels indicate a possible fraud, visual indicators are displayed. The system may use a set of population mapping areas that are hierarchically arranged. | 01-07-2010 |
20100004943 | Newspaper on a container - A method of enhancing sales of a product sold in a bottle comprises placing a newspaper containing an issue date on a label and placing the label on a bottle. Subsequent issues of the newspaper are placed on subsequent series of copies of the label and bottle. The news summaries or newspaper is associated with a news cycle having a time period and the subsequent issues follow immediately after the earlier news cycles, just like an ordinary newspaper. Each issue of the newspaper is published by sending the bottle into the stream of commerce at or near the beginning of the news cycle to which the bottle/label pertains. The news summaries are readable by a consumer of the product even as the bottle is on the shelf or may be detachable from the label. | 01-07-2010 |
20100004944 | Book Creation In An Online Collaborative Environment - A computer implemented method and system is provided for compiling and publishing an online book in an online collaborative environment. Requirements are collected from one or more users in the online collaborative environment. The collected requirements comprise, for example, educational subjects, topical subjects, information on syllabus, an outline, etc. One or more content structures are created based on the collected requirements using, for example, one or more of search criteria, applicable context, curriculum guidelines, curriculum standards, degrees of difficulty, etc. The educational content is retrieved from multiple online sources, created through authoring, or a combination thereof. The retrieved educational content is compiled into the content structures for creation of the online book. The compilation is performed by automatic compilation or user declared specification. The online book is then published in the online collaborative environment. The published online book may be printed to obtain a printed physical book. | 01-07-2010 |
20100010822 | SOCIAL PRODUCT ADVERTISEMENTS - A method, data structure, and medium are provided for generating and presenting advertisements to users through a social networking web site. Objective information describing a product is received from a promoter, and subjective information describing the product is received from users of the social networking web site. An advertisement is then generated by combining the information received from the promoter and the users of the social networking web site. Ratings are calculated for each of a plurality of advertisements and analyzed to select advertisements to present to a user through the social networking web site. | 01-14-2010 |
20100010823 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR NETWORK BASED CUSTOMER SERVICE - In accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, systems and methods for facilitating customer service over a network include receiving a service request from a user via the network, verifying an account related to the user, determining a priority of the user, generating a service identifier, and providing the service identifier to the user via the network. In various implementations, users may be prioritized based on a perceived value of the user so as to provide express customer service and support to highly valued and/or top-rated users. Users may select a support link to obtain a service code which may be used to immediately connect the user to a customer service agent that may provide the user with resolution to problems encountered by the user. | 01-14-2010 |
20100010824 | RECOMMENDATION SYSTEM FOR USER'S DECISION ABOUT THE SHARING OF PRIVATE INFORMATION TO OTHER PARTY AND METHOD THEREOF - The present invention proposes a method of providing recommendation information to help user's decision about what private information to share from a service provider in a user-centered ID management environment. The present invention provides recommendation information to help appropriate user's decision about what private information to share from the service provider to a user, such that the user can more reasonably make a decision based on the recommendation value. | 01-14-2010 |
20100010825 | MULTICULTURAL AND MULTIMEDIA DATA COLLECTION AND DOCUMENTATION COMPUTER SYSTEM, APPARATUS AND METHOD - An improved computer system, input apparatus and method for providing a user-interactive means for completing common forms in the healthcare industry, such as a Minimum Data Set (MDS) collection form that is used for nursing home resident assessment and care screening. In addition to providing a caregiver fillable form, the claimed invention teaches a patient fillable form in which the patient is guided through the form using a scripted interview approach. | 01-14-2010 |
20100010826 | CALCULATING CONNECTIVITY, SOCIAL PROXIMITY AND TRUST LEVEL BETWEEN WEB USER - A computer implemented system for, and a computer implemented method of calculating indicators to reflect real-life interactions between people, among those are connectivity, social proximity, best paths and trust level. The system comprises a server connected via a communication link to users associated with communication and web based environments and to the web based environments and communication platforms themselves. The server is arranged to receive data relating to users, their profiles, connections and related data in the communication and web based environments as well as large scale data from these environments. The server comprises an application arranged to convert the data into a standard numeric format quantifying the connectivity, the social proximity, the trust level and other indicators to reflect real-life interactions between people. The computer implemented method collects information about the users and their connectivity, and analyses and maps the information as a virtual network spanning a plurality of the web based environments and communication platforms. | 01-14-2010 |
20100017214 | EXTENDED SERVICES ORIENTED ARCHITECTURE FOR DISTRIBUTED ANALYTICS - A distributed processing service is configured between an Enterprise Service Bus (ESB), which supports a Service Oriented Architecture (SOA) for delivering utility services, and a Sensor Data/Event Processing Bus, which receives data communication from sensors on a utility grid. The distributed processing service provides middleware that allows the event-driven Sensor Data/Event Processing Bus to communicate with the transaction-drive ESB, thus permitting the delivery of services from the SOA to the utility grid. | 01-21-2010 |
20100017215 | PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION STANDING AND SITTING ROOM NOTIFICATION SYSTEM - A method, system, and computer program product for transmitting, in real time, notification of the number of passengers riding on a public transportation vehicle. A passenger count is transmitted by an electronic counting system on a public transportation vehicle. The passenger count is received by a passenger notification device in real time. The passenger notification device then transmits a notification message containing the passenger count and a known capacity of the public transportation vehicle to a remote telecommunication device. The notification message transmitted by the passenger notification device may also contain supplemental information of additional features of the public transportation vehicle, and suggest alternative route options to the user. Additionally, the notification message may contain predictive information of the number of available spaces on the public transportation vehicle by referencing historical passenger data to further determine the likelihood that a person will be able to board. | 01-21-2010 |
20100017216 | EVENT SCHEDULING FORECASTING FOR A CALENDARING SYSTEM USING HISTORICALLY COLLECTED EVENT DATA - The present invention discloses a solution for event scheduling forecasting for a calendaring system using historically collected event data. In the solution, metrics collected from historic events can be utilized to compute event duration for scheduled and events being scheduled. Metrics such as number of attendees, quantity of topics being covered, and meeting duration can be collected. Metrics can be aggregated from one or more systems including, but not limited to, calendaring systems and presentation systems. A forecasting engine can utilize metrics to compute a duration for events which can be used to advise event coordinators, adjust scheduled event times, and notify of potential schedule conflicts. | 01-21-2010 |
20100017217 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR SETTING AND ENABLING BADGES ON WEB PAGES - A charity badge may be set up for a web site of a publisher. The publisher may indicate a charity organization that the publisher wants to support. The charity badge may not be visible until an event occurs. The event may be a disaster event. | 01-21-2010 |
20100017218 | BUSINESS METHOD FOR DOMAIN NAME AND TRADE MARK ASSIGNING AND MARKETING - The business method for domain name and trade mark assigning and marketing is performed by a person or legal entity by assigning a domain name (URL) in domain fields, which is identical, similar in pronunciation, or in writing, or in other ways, up to complete confusion, to a trade mark, company name, field of activity, brand, key word, popular word, geographical or filed name, personal name, family name, pseudonym and/or other person's or legal entity's attributes which belong to another person or legal entity; or by assigning a trade name, brand, company name, and/or other person's or legal entity's attributes, which are identical, similar in pronunciation, or in writing, or in other ways, up to complete confusion, to a domain name (URL) which belongs to another person or legal entity. | 01-21-2010 |
20100017219 | System and method for evaluating business compatibility - A system and method for evaluating the business compatibility between potential business associates. In order to perform such a function, information is first collected from many different parties who are seeking a business match. The user inputs various information, including but not limited to the identity of the user or organization, the location of the user or organization, the type of business associate sought, character features of the business associate sought, size of the organization, duration of the business relationship sought, the user's qualifications, the user's investment in the organization, the estimated total capital required to launch the project, and the amount of capital contribution an individual intends to provide toward the project. The collected information is inserted into a database for future reference. Once a user has input the information, the user may use the system to find and rank user's that are the best match to the user based on the information input by the user. The system helps match a user with potential business associates by computing a business compatibility score. | 01-21-2010 |
20100017220 | Financing of Tenant Improvements - Methods for lease financing of tenant improvements. Improvements to a lease space are leased from a special purpose entity to a tenant under an improvements lease distinct from the space lease. The special purpose entity may be a legal entity owned under tax accounting rules by a landlord of the space. Financial statements of the special purpose entity may be consolidated with financial statements of the landlord. The special purpose entity may be capitalized by: (a) an equity investment by the landlord of at least three percent of the value of the tenant improvements and (b) debt issued by the special purpose entity of at least about eighty percent of the value of the tenant improvements, the debt being non-recourse against the special purpose entity, the landlord and the improvements and being secured by an absolute obligation of the tenant. The special purpose entity owns the improvements lease. Development of the tenant improvements may be financed by the special purpose entity. Rent payments under the improvements lease may have a present value at least equal to a value of the improvements at a time of commencement of the improvements lease. The improvements lease may be structured together with the space lease to support an accounting conclusion that the space lease and improvements lease are to be considered together as a single lease and classified as an operating lease. Rent payments under the improvements lease may be fully tax deductible to the tenant. | 01-21-2010 |
20100017221 | METHODS FOR COLLECTING TECHNOLOGY FEES FOR USE OF GRAIN OR BIOMASS CONTAINING A PROPRIETARY TRAIT - Embodiments of the present invention are drawn to methods for collecting technology fees for downstream use of a grain or a biomass containing a proprietary trait. The method includes providing an amount of grain or biomass containing at least one proprietary trait to a downstream user and collecting a fee based on a property attributable to the proprietary trait(s). | 01-21-2010 |
20100023337 | Local Power Generation Business Method - A business method to expand upon prior art methods of billing a utility customer's energy consumption from local power generation energy sources such as wind and solar systems. The invention discerns energy generated locally and energy consumed from a wide area energy source, utility or COOP. The invention allows power generated locally by leased, owned, or rented power generation equipment at the utility customer's location to be measured and billed to the customer at a separate rate than that charged by the utility to the customer. A well-engineered system will locally generate enough power to offset the utility's charges, lower the power customer's power costs and will provide revenue to the local power generation equipment provider by a power billing presented to the utility customer. The invention may utilize any power generation method such as electric, gas, oil, biomass, and or thermal. | 01-28-2010 |
20100023338 | SYSTEM AND METHOD OF TARGETED ADVERTISEMENT - Systems and methods of targeted advertisement are disclosed. In an embodiment, the method includes performing a deep packet inspection process of packet traffic within at least a portion of a communication network. The deep packet inspection process includes determining source data and destination data from the packet traffic without inspecting packet payload data. The method includes receiving aggregate demographic data of users that are associated with at least some of the packet traffic and generating an anonymous first profile of a first user based on first data acquired via the deep packet inspection process and based on the aggregate demographic data. The method also includes retrieving first user profile data from the anonymous first profile and sending the first user profile data to an advertisement system to determine a targeted advertisement based on the first user profile data. The targeted advertisement is displayed to a second user while the second user is participating in a multi-user activity with the first user. | 01-28-2010 |
20100023339 | BUSINESS EVENT AGENTS - A system may include reception of a core event associated with a business object, evaluation of one or more rules based on the core event to identify a business event, construction of a message based on a mapping between the business object and an event interface, the mapping and the event interface associated with the business event and the business object; and publication of the message. | 01-28-2010 |
20100023340 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR EVALUATING PRODUCT SUBSTITUTIONS ALONG MULTIPLE CRITERIA IN RESPONSE TO A SALES OPPORTUNITY - A system and method evaluate product substitutions along multiple criteria in response to a sales opportunity, for instance, providing sales recommendations of configurable products in response to a customer request based on propensity functions. A customer propensity is determined to estimate attractiveness of a substitute product to a customer based on one or more attributes. A seller propensity is determined to estimate attractiveness to a seller of selling the substitute product based on one or more attributes. The customer propensity and the seller propensity are combined to find a plurality of substitute products. | 01-28-2010 |
20100023341 | METHOD FOR RULE-BASED GIFT GIVING - A method for rule-based gift giving method collects information about life events of one or more friends from one or more social network systems and/or from one or more online profiles. The gathered information may be organized in a news stream format or a calendar items format. The user creates rules including parameters such as monetary value of the gift, identity of the recipient and the life event on which to send the gift. The user may generate a default list of friends who will automatically receive user-selected gifts on user-selected life events. According to another embodiment, the user may generate an on-demand list of friends who will receive gifts on selected life events upon user's approval. | 01-28-2010 |
20100030564 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CONDUCTING A FUNDRAISING RAFFLE - Funds are raised by raffle by forming a raffle venture between a sponsor and a fundraiser. The fundraiser offers raffle tickets to others, collects raffle revenue, arranges a drawing to select a winner. The revenue is distributed as a jackpot to the winner and as gain to the sponsor. The sponsor may identify contacts and the fundraiser may send to the contacts promotional messages for the raffle. The promotional messages may be composed by, or merely previewed and edited by, the sponsor. The raffle venture may specify initial proportions for distribution of revenue to the sponsor and the fundraiser. The proportions may be adjusted before the drawing. The method may be practiced via a website and may include establishing a sponsor web page that optionally contains content uploaded by the sponsor. There may be a blog site, an online social networking site and a webcast of the drawing. | 02-04-2010 |
20100030565 | GROUP BASED TASK ANALYSIS - A system, method and program product for analyzing tasks being performed by a group in an online environment. Included is a task definition system for associating subsets of documents available via a content delivery system with a plurality of tasks; a group identification system for identifying a group to which a user participating in the e-commerce environment belongs; a tracking system for tracking which documents have been viewed by users within the group; a task determination system for determining which of the plurality of tasks the group is engaged in performing; and a progress analysis system for analyzing a progress the group has achieved towards completing the task. | 02-04-2010 |
20100030566 | Magazine Collectable With Content Link - A copy of a magazine issue can be packaged with a collectible object. The collectible object preferably comprises a link pointing to on-line content that corresponds to the issue's printed content. Contemplated collectibles include collectible cards having a rendering of a cover of the issue on surface of the card. Links can include URLs, unique codes associated with a subscriber, or computer readable codes. | 02-04-2010 |
20100030567 | DETERMINING WHETHER A COMMERCIAL TRANSACTION HAS TAKEN PLACE - Determining whether a commercial transaction has taken place may include a) collecting percipient behavior information from a mobile communication device associated with a percipient, wherein the percipient behavior information is related to behavior of the percipient; b) determining a correlation between the percipient behavior information and transaction behavior information associated with a predetermined commercial transaction; and c) determining from the correlation a confidence level for whether the predetermined commercial transaction has taken place. | 02-04-2010 |
20100030568 | Unused allocated mileage counter - A system for tracking mileage for a vehicle may include a controller, an input device and a mileage sensor. The input device may be adapted to receive a first predetermined allocated mileage rate and communicate the first predetermined allocated mileage rate to the controller. The mileage sensor may be adapted to sense a mileage value and communicate the mileage value to the controller. The controller may be adapted to determine an actual mileage rate based at least partially upon the mileage value and a predetermined time period. The controller may be adapted to determine a deviation between the actual mileage rate and at least one of the first predetermined allocated mileage rate and a second predetermined allocated mileage rate. | 02-04-2010 |
20100030569 | Party place recommendation apparatus and program - In a party place recommendation apparatus, an acquisition unit acquires party information on a party to be held. A selector selects party places to be recommended from among the potential party places indicated by party place information, based on attendee information stored in an attendee information storage unit, the party place information stored in a party place information storage unit, and the party information acquired by the acquisition unit. An output unit outputs recommendation information indicative of the party places selected by the selector. | 02-04-2010 |
20100036669 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DETERMINING A WEIGHT OF AN ARRIVING AIRCRAFT - A method for receiving data for an aircraft landing at an airport, the data including an aircraft type and one of an owner and an operator of the aircraft, the data excluding a unique identifier for the aircraft, retrieving additional data related to the aircraft based on the data, the additional data including a landing weight and reporting the landing weight and the landing to an airport operator. | 02-11-2010 |
20100036670 | Premises Enabled Mobile Kiosk, Using Customers' Mobile Communication Device - A contact center is provided that can service customers on premises via a mobile kiosk. The mobile kiosk may be carried by the customer or by an on-site customer service representative. The mobile kiosk may be enqueued in the contact center contact queue such that enhanced customer service can be provided through interfacing with the enterprise database, vendor databases, as well as assigning an appropriately skilled contact center agent to the customer contact. | 02-11-2010 |
20100036671 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR REAL TIME LEAVE ADMINISTRATION IN COMPLIANCE WITH THE FEDERAL FAMILY AND MEDICAL LEAVE ACT - A method and system for real time tracking and approving Federal Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) leave requests is provided. Custom database objects are retrieved and processed, through a secure intranet JavaScript® | 02-11-2010 |
20100036672 | Adaptive Outlier Model For Fraud Detection - A system and method for detecting fraud is presented. A self-calibrating outlier model is hosted by a computing system. The self-calibrating outlier model receives transaction data representing transactions, and is configured to calculate transaction-based variables, profiles and calibration parameters, and to produce a score based on the transaction data according to the transaction-based variables, profiles and calibration parameters. An adaptive cascade model is also hosted by the computing system, and is configured to generate a secondary score for the transaction data based on profile information from the variables and/or profiles calculated by the self-calibrating outlier model, and based on a comparison with labeled transactions from a human analyst of historical transaction data. | 02-11-2010 |
20100036673 | MATCHMAKING SERVICE WITH PROXIMITY BASED INTRODUCTORY ENCOUNTER - A method of operating a matchmaking service, to include the feature of monitoring geographic proximity of paired participants deemed to be matched by computerized compatibility analysis, and communicating signals to each when a predetermined threshold of geographic proximity is achieved. Proximity is monitored using for example GPS enabled communications devices, such as cellular phones, which may be used to receive the signals. The signals may include previously logged characteristics of each member of the pair. The participants may then respond affirmatively to the signals or alternatively may decline the opportunity to meet. | 02-11-2010 |
20100036674 | METHOD FOR SHIPPING DELIVERIES; SHIPPING STATION AND LOGISTICS SYSTEM - There is provided a system and method for operating an electronic parcel compartment system, whereby at least one user is authorized to deposit a shipment so that the shipment can be forwarded to a logistics service provider. An exemplary method comprises acquiring data about an intended shipment and user data by a first acquisition device separated from the electronic parcel compartment system. The exemplary method also comprises supplementing the shipment information pertaining to the shipment via a second acquisition device located at the electronic parcel compartment system. The exemplary method additionally comprises verifying access rights of the user with a verification device that is arranged within the electronic parcel compartment system, by associating the acquired user data with a stored user profile and verifying validity of the acquired shipment. | 02-11-2010 |
20100036675 | Order-picking method and order-picking rack accessible from two sides - A storage rack ( | 02-11-2010 |
20100042418 | TECHNICAL TOOLS FOR COMPLEX INFORMATION - The technical development based on computer technology has generated large changes in the society and implies future possibilities of creations of new systems and tools for simplifying and improving people's ways of working and achieving results. | 02-18-2010 |
20100042419 | Audience Manager and Data Providers - A system for audience data exchange, the system includes a first network and a second network. The first network has a first data provider for collecting data and providing the data to the first network. The second network is coupled to the first network, and includes a first advertiser and a first publisher. The first network serves as a seller of the data provided by the first data provider. The second network serves as a buyer of the data provided by the first data provider. The first network compensates the first data provider. | 02-18-2010 |
20100042420 | ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM AND METHOD - A method for managing resource usage in an area for members of the area includes the steps of a) determining the initial resource status of the area; b) creating modification standards for the area which have environmentally beneficial attributes; c)—monitoring the execution of modifications to the area by members of the area for conformity to the modification standards; d) managing the performance of the modifications to sustain the environmental attributes of the modifications; and, e) verifying tradable resource units from steps a)-d). A method for managing resource usage in an area includes the steps of monitoring resource transfers into and out of the area; monitoring resource transfers to and from individual-members in the area; determining area resource transfers; determining resource transfers of the individual members; and, determining payment balances of the individual members based upon the resource transfers of the individual members and the resource transfers of the area. The step of determining the resource transfers of the area can include an accounting of resource units created through the process of steps a)-e) above. | 02-18-2010 |
20100042421 | CONTEXT BASED ADVERTISEMENT BIDDING MECHANISM - A software and/or hardware facility for managing online advertisement bidding processes is described. The facility selects advertisements for delivery to mobile device users based on advertiser bids. The advertisers may bid for presentation of their advertisements to users having certain spatio-temporal, user segment, and/or other characteristics. The facility may also select advertisements for delivery based on an estimated likelihood of a mobile device user's positive response to the advertisement. Advertiser and user feedback may also be employed to refine the process of selecting advertisements for delivery. | 02-18-2010 |
20100042422 | System and method for computing and displaying a score with an associated visual quality indicator - A system and method for computing and outputting a score or rating with an associated visual quality indicator. The score or rating can be the result of a survey or come from any other source. The visual indicator representing the quality of the score or rating can include a series of different colors, icons or a series of multiple icons. The quality can also be displayed as written text. Ratings may be supplied that have been processed by others (for example those who took a particular survey), or they may be supplied as raw data. The invention can output the score or rating and its associated indicator as to the quality of the score or rating either integral to the score or rating or near the score or rating. When raw data is supplied, the present invention can reduce that data using any type of mathematical or statistical technique, and then output the reduced rating values along with associated qualities on a display device or printed material. | 02-18-2010 |
20100042423 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR BUILDING A GREEN COMMUNITY - Embodiments of the present invention relate a system and method for building a green community construction. The system and method may comprise preparing a site for green community construction, acquiring housing for the site, wherein the housing is acquired below assessed value, moving the housing to the site, and remodeling the housing at the site to form the green community. | 02-18-2010 |
20100042424 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR INSERTING AND REMOVING ADVERTISEMENTS - The present invention relates to an apparatus and method of inserting any content, for instance commercial content and other dynamic or static content within the body of the original content and dynamically removing such commercial content based on a predefined action. For example, inserting and removing commercial content within IMAP and POP based email services within an email document, and in Web documents seen through a browser, without hampering the ability of a user to perform functions, such as print, forward etc that require the original document without the inserted commercial content. | 02-18-2010 |
20100042425 | Financial Systems - A method and system ( | 02-18-2010 |
20100042426 | Loyalty Measurement - A computer-implemented system measures loyalty of one partner to another partner in a relationship, such as the loyalty of a company's customer to the company. The first partner's loyalty is measured by obtaining information from the partner, such as through answers to survey questions, about the partner's perception of the climate of the relationship. A loyalty index function may be applied to scores associated with the answers to produce a single loyalty index representing the first partner's loyalty to the other partner. The system may recommend that the second partner change their practices to increase the first partner's loyalty index. For example, the system may recommend that the second partner improve practices related to “satisfier” dimensions of the relationship, and/or that the second partner improve practices which empirical data have demonstrated to correlate most strongly with increased loyalty. | 02-18-2010 |
20100042427 | Wireless Device, Program Products and Methods of Using a Wireless Device to Deliver Services - In at least one embodiment, a data processing system receives from a user device a query regarding a dining decision, where the query includes a location. At least one menu item at a restaurant proximate to the location is determined based upon at least one user-specific criterion, and the at least one menu item is transmitted to the user device. | 02-18-2010 |
20100042428 | PROCESSING GASOLINE PRICE DATA IN A NETWORKED ENVIRONMENT - Processing gasoline price data in a networked environment. A data source component obtains gasoline purchase transaction data, which includes data indicative of consumer credit purchases of gasoline made by a plurality of consumers. Each of the consumer credit purchases is from an identifiable location. In response to receiving an indication that a gasoline level of a gasoline tank has reached a minimum, a user interface component generates a user request for gasoline price data for a selected geographic region. A processing component processes the gasoline purchase transaction data as a function of the selected geographic region and generates a display including the processed gasoline purchase transaction data for the selected region. The generated display is transmitted to a user computing device. | 02-18-2010 |
20100049533 | Executing an Energy Transaction Plan for an Electric Vehicle - A computer implemented method, apparatus, and computer usable program code for managing a charging process of an electric vehicle. In one embodiment, the process initiates the charging process of the electric vehicle at a charging station in response to receiving an energy transaction plan from an energy transaction planner. The process then terminates the charging process in response to at least one of a deviation of the charging process from the energy transaction plan and a completion of the charging process according to the energy transaction plan. Thereafter, the process sends a charge notification to a set of recipients that includes a user of the electric vehicle and an energy transaction broker. | 02-25-2010 |
20100049534 | Determining User Affinity Towards Applications on a Social Networking Website - Applications in social networks support interaction between members through various types of channels such as email, notifications, newsfeed, and so forth. For each channel, applications are ranked based on their user affinity measures. User affinity is based on measuring positive and negative interactions by users as both senders and recipients of messages generated by applications. Metrics are computed for the different types of messages and interactions provided by applications. For each channel, an application receives user affinity score based on specific weighted combination of the metrics. Applications use channel resources to send messages to increase their user base. Given the large number of applications that are available, the extent to which applications are allowed to use channels is controlled, limiting their resource consumption. User affinity scores of applications calculated for a channel are used to decide the allocation of the number of messages allowed for an application for a channel. | 02-25-2010 |
20100049535 | Computer-Implemented Marketing Optimization Systems And Methods - Computer-implemented systems and methods are provided for determining an action item from a global set of action items for a plurality of customers based on an objective function, a plurality of individual constraints, and a plurality of aggregate constraints. A plurality of offer sets is generated for each customer. An approximate highest reduced adjusted objective for each of the offer sets for each customer is calculated, and the customers are bucketed based on the highest adjusted objective value associated with each customer. The buckets are collapsed into a single bucket record containing a plurality of aggregate offer set columns, and an aggregate offer set column is selected from each bucket record for each bucket. Each bucket associated with a selected offer set is disaggregated, and the action item included in the selected offer set is stored in a computer-readable memory. | 02-25-2010 |
20100049536 | METHODS FOR CREATING CONSOLIDATED MAILPIECES - A method includes receiving a plurality of mail messages. The plurality of mail messages are all appointed for delivery by mail to the same recipient. Each of the mail messages includes a respective account number for the mail recipient. The method further includes combining the received mail messages into a single combined mailpiece addressed to the mail recipient. All of the account numbers included in the mail messages are mutually different from each other. | 02-25-2010 |
20100049537 | DYNAMIC BULK PACKING AND CASING - Automated techniques for identifying packaging solutions, where a dynamic, automated decision is made as to whether items are to be bulk packed and/or whether particular containers are to be bulk cased (that is, consolidated within casing such as pallets). Factors considered may comprise customer-specific requests, order destination, type of items, quantity of items, size of items, quantity of grouped orders, size of grouped orders, and so forth. Orders may contain items that are alike as well as items that are different from one another. A particular order or orders may be assembled as the items of the order(s) arrive for packaging, without requiring a fixed timing or sequence of item arrival, thereby providing a dynamic, real-time packaging solution. | 02-25-2010 |
20100049538 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR SELECTING NEXT ACTION - A method for selecting a next action includes reading transaction data, determining insights and relationships between a first entity and a second entity from the collected transaction data. Once these relationships and insights have been determined, the possibility of a future event occurring in one of a number of selected time periods can be determined using a predictive time-to-event component. A system for selecting a next action includes a memory for storing transaction data, an insight/relationship determination module, and a predictive time-to-event module. The memory, the insight/relationship determination module and the predictive time-to-event module carry out the above method. A programmable media having an instruction set can also cause a machine to carry out the above method. | 02-25-2010 |
20100049539 | VALUATION USING CREDIT SCORE - A method of appraising the value of a property based on obtaining a credit score of an owner of a property and assigning an ownership responsibility indicator to the property. The ownership responsibility indicator provides insight into the condition of the property without performing a complete inspection. A more accurate value of the property can then be determined. | 02-25-2010 |
20100057478 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR TRIGGERING AND PERFORMING SCANS TO PROTECT VIRTUAL ENVIRONMENTS - A system and method in a virtual universe system for triggering scans of virtual items and inventories of virtual items and for scanning the virtual items and inventories wherein the scans may be triggered by an avatar moving or teleporting from one region to another, or by an avatar picking up, dropping off, or accepting or purchasing an item. The degree of scanning may depend upon factors such as location where these scan triggers occur. The signature of the item may be identified by the scan process. The item signature may be compared against signatures of known malicious items stored in an inventory item signatures database and a summary of the signature comparison may be sent to a resident and stored in the resident's inventory. | 03-04-2010 |
20100057479 | SYSTEM AND METHOD TO COMPUTE VEHICLE HEALTH INDEX FROM AGGREGATE DATA - A system and method for determining the state of health of a vehicle based on a determination of factored miles. The method includes collecting data from a group of vehicle of a common model type as aggregate data and data from a particular vehicle as individual data. The aggregate data and the individual data are used to determine a percent degradation of sub-systems and components on the vehicle, and an overall percent degradation is determined by accumulating the percent degradation for the sub-systems and components. The accumulated percent degradation is then used to determine a factored miles value that is an indication of the state of health of the vehicle based on vehicle driving conditions and other considerations. The factored miles can then be used by various business models to determine the value of a vehicle. | 03-04-2010 |
20100057480 | Energy Services - Energy services business methods gather up many small pieces of renewable energy generation, energy efficiency, and controllable energy demand reductions en a grid, and present all that in a unified interface to a power utility. The individual constituents benefit from collective bargaining with, a large utility, and can receive energy discounts, rebates, and bonuses for their participation. | 03-04-2010 |
20100057481 | REAL-TIME GEO-LOCATION BASED CONTACT SERVICE SYSTEM - A method of providing a notification to a user of a geographic proximity to another user is provided. The method includes receiving user profile information for a first user and user location information for a plurality of users from a second device at a first device. Contacts are identified using the received user profile information. A current geographic location of the identified contacts and the first user is identified based on the received user location information. The plurality of users includes the identified contacts and the first user. A distance between a contact of the identified contacts and the first user is determined. If the determined distance is within a notification distance, a notification message is created, and the notification message is sent to the second device from the first device. The notification message includes an identifier of the contact and the first user and an indicator of the current geographic location of the contact. | 03-04-2010 |
20100057482 | ROUNDTRIP MERGE OF BPEL PROCESSES AND BPMN MODELS - In one embodiment, a method of performing a merge operation can include: mapping a business process modeling notation (BPMN) model to a business process execution language (BPEL) model; modifying the BPMN model to form a modified BPMN model; modifying the BPEL model to form a modified BPEL model; when the merge operation is a forward merge operation: exporting the modified BPMN model to an exported BPEL model; performing an activity level outline merge for added information technology (IT) scopes and branches from the modified BPEL model; performing an activity level detail merge for added IT details from the modified BPEL model; and performing an attribute level merge for updated branch conditions in the merged BPEL model; and when the merge operation is a reverse merge operation, adding scopes and branches from the modified BPEL model to the BPMN model. | 03-04-2010 |
20100057483 | Software tool for developing patent submissions - A computer readable medium configured to store instructions for executing the following steps (A) accepting a first number of user parameters to be organized as a patent idea, (B) accepting a second number of user parameters to add to the patent idea, and (C) automatically converting the patent idea into a patent disclosure. The patent disclosure may comply with a number of criteria specific to a particular organization. | 03-04-2010 |
20100057484 | SYSTEMS FOR GENERATING BUSINESS CARDS DURING DOMAIN NAME REGISTRATION - Systems of the present inventions allow for generating a business card during domain name registration. An exemplary system may comprise a website (having one of more fields for receiving at least one requested domain name and a plurality of information from a prospective domain name registrant) hosted on at least one server, a domain name registration module running on at least one server and registering the domain name to the registrant (if available), a business card generation and delivery module running on at least one server and generating a business card containing some of the information received (if the domain name is registered to said registrant), and a network communicatively coupling the website, domain name registration module, and business card generation and delivery module. | 03-04-2010 |
20100057485 | Methods and apparatus for machine-to-machine based communication service classes - Methods and apparatus enabling a wireless network to provide differentiated services to a machine-to-machine (M2M) client. In one embodiment, the wireless network comprises a UMTS network, and the Home Location Register (HLR) entity identifies subscriptions as machine-to-machine (M2M) enabled devices based on flags or other descriptors associated with each M2M device, and imposes one or more rule sets (e.g., service restrictions) based on this identification. The classification of M2M devices within the HLR may optionally include additional capability or profile data for the M2M device (e.g. static, low mobility, low data activity, etc.). Various other network entities may use the M2M identification to modify the delivered data service, so as to optimize network resources. Furthermore, monitoring of M2M client behavior can be used to detect and notify the network operator of abnormal, fraudulent, or malicious activity. Business methods utilizing the aforementioned methods and apparatus are also disclosed. | 03-04-2010 |
20100057486 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR LINKING E-MAIL ADDRESS WITH POSTAL ADDRESS - The present invention relates to a linkage system and a linkage method that links an e-mail address with a postal address. The present invention relates to a system and a method that delivers a postal item to a real address of a customer corresponding to an e-mail address, even though the e-mail address is entered in the postal item. According to the present invention, since the e-mail address and the postal address are linked with each other, even if the user's residence is changed, the changed address can be confirmed by using the e-mail address that is linked with the postal address. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent the loss of the postal item. In addition, since a semi-permanent e-mail address is used instead of the postal address, which often changes, in a communication way between individuals, a sender can send the postal item by using only the e-mail address without worrying about the address change of recipient, even when not knowing the address of the recipient. | 03-04-2010 |
20100057487 | CONFIGURATION FOR LANGUAGE INTERPRETER CERTIFICATION - A process provides a screening of a candidate on a prerequisite. Further, the process provides a written examination to a qualified candidate. The qualified candidate passes the screening. In addition, the process provides an oral examination to the qualified candidate if the qualified candidate passes the written examination. The process also provides examination results to the qualified candidate. Finally, the process provides certification to the qualified candidate if the qualified candidate passes both the written examination and the oral examination. | 03-04-2010 |
20100063829 | REAL ESTATE TRANSACTION SYSTEM - A network based real estate transaction system is disclosed for assisting real estate agents and their clients with determining properties for purchase. | 03-11-2010 |
20100063830 | Masked Data Provider Selection - Computer based methods, systems and software for selecting service providers for a consumer are presented in which pangenetic (genetic and epigenetic) features of the consumer are correlated with pangenetic based data profiles of candidate providers, and the most appropriate providers for the consumer are selected or ranked based on the results of the correlation. Non-pangenetic features of the consumer, as well as preferred service provider features such as location, pricing and satisfaction rating, can be used in conjunction with the pangenetic correlation to determine the most appropriate service providers for the consumer. Data masking is used to maintain privacy of sensitive portions of the pangenetic data. | 03-11-2010 |
20100063831 | Visualizing revenue management trade-offs via a two-dimensional pareto curve showing measures of overall volume or share versus measures of overall profitability or adjusted revenue - A system and method for visualizing the trade-off between overall production and/or sales of a portfolio of products and a resulting aggregate contribution margin (ACM). The method includes solving an optimization model, or other suitable operation, that has an objective function that describes the ACM across a portfolio of products to determine the price, sales and production levels of the products that maximize the ACM for a particular set of constraints. The optimization model is solved for increasing aggregate sales levels for those constraints. The relationship between the aggregate sales level and the aggregate ACM is then graphed, and the optimization model is solved for different sets of constraints and increasing sales. The resulting graphs are analyzed to determine which constraints maintain sales volume while maximizing ACM, maintain ACM while maximizing sales volume, maximize ACM and maximize sales volume regardless of impact on ACM. | 03-11-2010 |
20100063832 | Incentive allocation based on thermostat settings - Incentive allocation to a community of users based on thermostat settings is provided. The users of the community establish user rules and thermostat settings directed to a climate-controlling device. The settings and rules are communicated to a central processor for calculating an incentive amount to allocate to each user. The calculated incentive amounts are based on the thermostat settings, energy consumption, and/or carbon emissions of the user. The incentives can also be calculated based on a comparison of a thermostat setting and a subsistence level. In an example, users of a multi-user development share a total amount of carbon credits given to the entire development. The carbon credits are distributed to each user based on the thermostat settings and carbon emission of each user. | 03-11-2010 |
20100070288 | Method and System for Efficiently Transforming Online Ad Creatives Using Dynamically Compiled Templates - A method and system are provided for transforming online ad creatives using dynamically compiled ad templates. In one example, the method includes receiving one or more ad templates into a memory, pre-compiling at least one ad template into object code, converting the object code to a native dynamic library, and loading the native dynamic library into a random access memory. | 03-18-2010 |
20100070289 | Architectural Design for Embedded Support Application Software - Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer program products, for implementing a software architecture design for a software application implementing embedded support. The application is structured as multiple process components interacting with each other through service interfaces, and multiple service operations, each being implemented for a respective process component. The process components include, for example, a Support Request Processing process component that handles a request reflecting the initial inquiry to clarify and solve an incident during the operations of an IT system and a Software Problem Reporting process component that handles the collection and reporting of context data in the IT system. | 03-18-2010 |
20100070290 | Get home smart card - A gift card and toll free number for the sole purpose of a Taxi ride to a residence or motel/hotel. Gift card will be sold at retail establishments in specific monetary increments. Gift card is a four part card assembly that has a magnetic stripe, barcode, individually numbered, keytag, aperture and portion for monetary increments. There is a toll free number which will be used to contact a Taxi member by entering zip code for dispatch. There will be a website. A specific amount of gratuity will be automatically paid to destination balance. | 03-18-2010 |
20100076775 | PROGRESSIVE CAPTURE OF PROSPECT INFORMATION FOR USER PROFILES - Embodiments are directed towards inferring an online matching profile based on progressively receiving a prospect's inputs. Access to other matching profiles is provided to the prospect, and while viewing such profiles of other participants, the prospect may progressively provide inputs, such that the prospect's profile may be inferred. As the prospect continues viewing and progressively providing additional inputs, a number of compatibility metrics presented to the prospect may be increased, as does a degree of compatibility of matches that may be suggested to the prospect. At any time during the viewing and progressive input process, the prospect may be presented with their inferred profile. The prospect may then accept and/or modify various elements within the inferred profile. | 03-25-2010 |
20100076776 | Fundraising and Recruitment Methods - A computer-based system collects performance information, e.g., grades, submitted by students. The system automatically searches its database to see if the performance information satisfies any sponsorship pledges contained in the database. If so, the system executes the pledge and rewards the student for the good performance. The system can also be used to sponsor education programs, and to find suitable job candidates with the right performance records and credentials. | 03-25-2010 |
20100076777 | AUTOMATIC RECOMMENDATION OF LOCATION TRACKING PRIVACY POLICIES - A system and method is described herein that automatically provides users with recommendations regarding location tracking privacy policies that may be appropriate to enact in certain contexts as well as a means for enacting such policies. Once a privacy policy is enacted, the manner in which location information associated with the user is provided to at least one application or service will be controlled in accordance with the privacy policy. The recommended privacy policies may represent privacy policies that have been enacted by other users in like contexts. | 03-25-2010 |
20100076778 | Method and System for Providing and Maintaining Limited-Subscriptions to Digital Media Assets - Systems, graphical user interfaces and methods for upgrading from one or more digital media assets to a set of digital media assets over a network are described. A potential purchaser can be notified of available upgrade opportunities that are available for purchase. The potential purchaser can elect to pursue an upgrade opportunity so as to purchase a set of digital media assets. Upon upgrading to the set of digital media assets, the digital media assets within the set of digital media assets are made available to the purchaser. According to one aspect, a graphical user interface facilitates presenting and requesting upgrade opportunities. According to another aspect, equivalency rules and/or eligibility rules can be used to control which sets of digital media assets are available for upgrade by respective potential purchasers. | 03-25-2010 |
20100076779 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR RECORDING AND MANAGING MANUFACTURING CAPACITY ATTRIBUTES - The present invention comprises methods and systems that provide the ability to record and manage manufacturing capacity attributes that describe the capacity at its lowest level of configurability—supporting the specification, planning, matching, and trading of the capacity. This is generally accomplished by first establishing a common data model that can store relational datasets of attributes for the various types of requirements and equipment, with accuracy and precision down to their lowest allowed levels of configurability. The present invention also provides a set of user interfaces (Uls) that provide a means to browse, filter, search, view, edit, group, report, and communicate the attribute datasets. Each dataset can also be originated or updated through an ability to import attribute information from manufacturing equipment, attribute files, other database systems, and the like. Furthermore, the present invention also provides the foundation for enabling other capacity management functions such as planning, matching, and trading of capacity | 03-25-2010 |
20100082353 | REWARD SYSTEM FOR MANAGING A DIGITAL WORKFLOW - A system and method for allowing content providers to manage aspects of a distributor's digital workflow is disclosed. The system is effective to receive priority flags and associate the flags with items submitted by the content provider making the priority designation. Those items flagged for priority can be queued for priority processing. The total number of priority flags or requests can be limited by the rate at which items can be processed. The limited nature of the priority requests can make the priority flags valuable. The system and method can leverage that value to encourage desired conduct by awarding priority flags to content providers that comply with a stated policy. | 04-01-2010 |
20100082354 | USER DEFINITION AND IDENTIFICATION - Methods and system for user definition and identification are described. In one embodiment, a user selection criterion for an application associated with a target service provider may be accessed. User relationship information of a source user within a source service provider may be accessed. The user relationship information may define a relationship between the source user and a plurality of users of the source service provider. One or more target users of the plurality of users may be identified for the application based on the accessing of the user relationship information and the user selection criterion. Additional methods and systems are disclosed. | 04-01-2010 |
20100082355 | Forecasting levels of currency usage and need - A target level of funds may be defined to specify an ideal level of currency stored in a currency handling device for efficient operation. The target level may be modified based on forecasted currency usage needs. Forecasts may be conducted based on historical usage data, user input and seasonal/event considerations. When a level of funds exceeds the target level by a specified amount, a transport request may be generated. When a level of funds underruns the target level by a specified amount, a change order request may be generated. In one or more arrangements, recommendations for target levels, transport requests and change order requests may be provided for user confirmation instead of automatically executing the recommendation. | 04-01-2010 |
20100082356 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR RECOMMENDING PERSONALIZED CAREER PATHS - A candidate's career information is obtained. The career information comprises one or more of employment history information and education information. If the candidate's career information comprises employment history information, the employment history information is compared with stored employment history information of a plurality of individuals. If the candidate's career information comprises education information, the education information is compared with stored education information of a plurality of individuals. Stored career information meeting a similarity threshold is identified from one or more of the comparing steps. The similarity threshold relates to similarity between (1) the stored employment history information and the candidate's employment history information, and/or (2) the stored education information and the candidate's education information. The similarity threshold can also relate to a candidate's actions (e.g., apply history). A career path for the candidate is then determined based on the stored career information that has met the similarity threshold. | 04-01-2010 |
20100082357 | METHODS, APPARATUSES, AND COMPUTER PROGRAM PRODUCTS FOR PROVIDING ACTIVITY COORDINATION SERVICES - A method, apparatus, and computer program product are provided, which may provide activity coordination service. An apparatus may include a processor configured to maintain data regarding a user's previous activities and contacts invited to those previous activities. The processor may be further configured to retrieve the maintained data in response to creation of a new activity by the user. The processor may also be configured to determine one or more suggested contacts to invite to the new activity based at least in part upon the maintained data. The processor may additionally be configured to provide the one or more suggested contacts to the user. Corresponding methods and computer program products are also provided. | 04-01-2010 |
20100082358 | GENERATION OF FORMAL SPECIFICATIONS OF TRADING PARTNER AGREEMENTS - Systems and methods are provided for generating a formal specification of a trading partner agreement for sharing between trading partners. The trading partner agreement that is established between at least two of the trading partners is analyzed. A set of contracts, a set of protocols, and a set of service level agreements associated with the trading partner agreement is identified. A single formal specification of the trading partner agreement is generated. The single formal specification comprises the set of contracts, the set of protocols, and the set of service level agreements using a markup language. Each of the set of contracts, the set of protocols, and the set of service level agreements are expressed in a markup language notation. The single formal specification is usable by multiple trading partners. | 04-01-2010 |
20100082359 | Multi-Granular Age Range Products For Use in Online Marketing - Particular embodiments of the invention are directed to generating marketing-based age range products for use in age-targeted online marketing. The age range products may include multi-granular age range products generated by combining age ranges at different levels of granularity. | 04-01-2010 |
20100082360 | Age-Targeted Online Marketing Using Inferred Age Range Information - Particular embodiments of the invention are directed to generating marketing-based age range products based at least on inferred data regarding the age of various network users. The age range products may be used for age-targeted online marketing. | 04-01-2010 |
20100082361 | Apparatus, System and Method for Predicting Attitudinal Segments - An apparatus, system, and method are presented for predicting attitudinal segments. In one embodiment, the method includes receiving a set of data elements associated with an individual, calculating a score for one or more attitudinal dimensions to associate with the individual in response to the set of data elements, calculating an attitudinal segment to associate with the individual in response to the score for the one or more attitudinal dimensions, and generating an output configured to associate the attitudinal segment with the individual. | 04-01-2010 |