Abstract: An automated system (10) for matching an item of business property to a recipient includes an inventory database (32) containing inventory data (34) concerning the item. A match module (30) is coupled to the inventory database (32) and receives allocation data (14) for the item. The match module (30) generates match data (180) for the item and associates the match data (180) with the inventory data (34). The match module (30) receives an item request (33) containing request data (152) and matches the item to the recipient associated with the item request (33) using the match data.

Abstract: A method and a system (10) are provided for generating source code (28) for relating a dialog interface with a business object in a computing application. The system (10) includes a memory (14, 18) operable to store an attribute definition file (16). An interface (12) is coupled to the memory (14, 18). The interface (12) allows a user of the system (10) to create an application configuration file (19) from the attribute definition file (16). A processor (24), which is coupled to the memory (14, 18) and the interface (12), automatically generates source code (28) in response to the application configuration file (19) to relate the dialog interface with the business object. The method is performed on a computer system, such as the system (10) of the present invention. The method includes receiving configuration information specifying a relationship between at least one interface object and at least one business object which is represented by the interface object.

Abstract: A system (10) for maintaining current status for employees in a work force is provided. The system (10) includes a server system (12) providing an operating environment for a database (14). The database (14) stores and providing access to a plurality of records (16) that hold status information for employees. The system also includes a plurality of client systems (20) connected to the server system (12), each client system (20) providing an operating environment for a locator application (22). The locator application (22) is operable to: provide a user interface and receive user input; store information in and retrieve information from the database (14), change an employee's status information, and locate and display an individual employee's status information. The status information held by the records (16) in the database (14) thereby provides current status for employees in a work force.

Abstract: An automated system (10) for providing access data (42) concerning an item of business property includes a master database (34) containing master data (36) concerning the item and an accesser (16) that provides an access request. A manager (14) coupled to the master database (34) retrieves selected master data (36) from the master database (34) and generates access data (42) for the item using the master data (36). The manager (14) receives the access request and, in response, provides the accesser (16) with access data (42) concerning the item.

Abstract: A system (24, 44, 52) for compiling and reporting network information to a user of a network (10) comprises a user interface (32) for receiving a network information request from the user. An automated information compiler (44) receives the network information request from the user interface (32) and compiles network information in response to the network information request. A report generator (34) receives the compiled network information from the information compiler (44) and generates a report in response to the compiled network information.

Abstract: A computing system (10) includes elements (12-24) interfacing at integration points (26-47). One or more of the elements (12-24) may be associated with one or more testing tables. For example, a testing table (48) may include a test procedure (54) and several corresponding test codes (54a, 54b, 54c) associated with alternate product configurations (12a, 12b, 12c) that satisfy the functional requirements of an element (12). The testing tables in the computing system (10) provide a systematic and standardized scheme for defining, creating, modifying, and adapting integration test code. A testing system (11) accesses the testing tables to test the integration of the elements (12-24) in the computing system (10).

Abstract: A system (10) is provided for monitoring services or products. The system (10) includes an interface (12, 18) which can receive criteria information (14) specifying an unacceptable level for services or products. The interface (12, 18) can also receive services or products information (20) relating to the services or products. A database (16), which is coupled to the interface (12, 18), stores the criteria information (14). A processor (22, 27) is coupled to the database (16) and the interface (12, 18). The processor (22, 27) can identify non-random patterns in a predefined danger zone in order to determine when the services or products are approaching the unacceptable level specified in the criteria information (14), thereby monitoring the services or products.

Abstract: A system for designing a multimedia application (27) is provided. The system includes an assembly template (14, 16, 18) having predetermined processor operating commands and related data. The assembly template (14, 16, 18) is adapted to allow a user to add to and modify and the processor operating commands and related data, and to generate multimedia application navigator system controls (22). A processor (10, 56) receives the modified processor commands of the assembly template (14, 16, 18) and generates the multimedia application navigator system controls (22).

Abstract: A method of creating image palm prints is provided that comprises storing image data as a metafile within a clipboard storage facility (20). The metafile is then transferred to a memory device context (18). A portion of the image is then extracted using a boundary scan to discard background image data. The image is then converted into a device independent bit map and the device independent bit map is compressed to a predetermined size. The image palm print is then created by associating the compressed device independent bit map with the dimension data and palette information.

Abstract: The invention comprises a method and system for distributing an electronic publication. The invention allows the distribution of customized publications, including customized advertising, customized content, or both. In accordance with the method for distributing an electronic publication, a version of an electronic publication is retrieved from storage. The electronic publication is delivered to the consumer by electronically sending the electronic publication to the consumer's electronic mail address with a return receipt requested. A receipt is then generated in response to the retrieval of the electronic publication from the consumer's electronic mailbox.

Abstract: A system (10) for maintaining and accessing a catalog database (36) includes a catalog database upgrade system (34). The system (10) also includes a catalog database navigator system (56). The catalog database upgrade system (34) is capable of adding items to a catalog database (36) and modifying items in the catalog database (36). The catalog database navigator system (56) is capable of locating items in the catalog database (36).

Abstract: A display system (10) displays alphanumeric data in a three dimensional grid (58). The grid (58) may include data entries (72), planes (72, 74, 76), labels (90, 92, 94), and various graphics (102, 106, 110) that visually represent the data entries (70). A user of display system (10) can modify, orient, or otherwise manipulate the grid (58) to visualize alphanumeric data in three dimensions.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for interacting with a computer reservation system. The invention allows multiple sessions to be established with a computer reservation system simultaneously. When a command is received that requires multiple requests to a computer reservation system, a determination is made whether those requests can be processed simultaneously. If so, two sessions are established with a computer reservation system and a first request is made using one session while a second request is made using the other session. Datasets received in response to the requests are returned to the source of the command.

Abstract: An automated system (10) is provided for selecting an initial computer reservation system. The system (10) includes a database (12) which stores data relating to each computer reservation system (30) utilized by a travel agency. The database (12) also contains one or more informational portfolios that can be used to determine the computer reservation system preferences of various parties, such as, for example, an individual traveler, a business entity employing the traveler, and the travel agency. In response to travel request information received from a customer, the system (10) automatically retrieves data/information from the database (12) and determines a target computer reservation system which most likely will be used to book travel arrangements. Consequently, the system (10) optimizes the hits-to-bookings ratio for each computer reservation system (30) utilized by the travel agency.

Abstract: A method and system are disclosed for obtaining network information in a computer network. The invention allows application programs to obtain computer network information using programming language independent dynamic link library functions. The method of the invention comprises generating a call to a dynamic link library function from an application program running on a client computer in a computer network. The call requests some information about the computer network and that information is resident on a server computer. A dynamic link library function interprets the call and generates a network application program interface call. After receiving network information in response to the network application program interface call, the dynamic link library function processes the network information and returns the processed information to the application program.

Abstract: In a system (10) for communicating information using the Internet, a client (12) establishes a first connection with a session server (24) using the Internet (18) to initiate a communications session. The session server (24) receives information from a data source (26) in response to the first connection, generates session data (32) using the received information, and conveys the session data (32) to the client (12). The session server (24) maintains the session data (32) after termination of the first connection to convey the session data (32) to the client (12) in response to the client (12) establishing a second connection with the session server (24) during the communications session.

Abstract: A system and method (10) for deriving access codes for billing customers includes a load process (12) receiving a set of system attributes (20) and using at least one of the system attributes (20) for looking up in at least one lookup table (16, 18, 22, 24) for an access code and at least one formula value, and further storing the access code and at least one formula value in an access code lookup table (26, 28). The system (10) further includes a derivation process (14) which receives a specification of values for the set of system attributes from a billing record (30), uses the specification of values for looking up in the at least one lookup table (16, 18, 22, 24) for a derivation formula, uses the derivation formula for looking up in the billing record (30) for an attribute value, and further uses the attribute value for comparing with the formula value stored in the access code lookup table (26, 28).

Abstract: The automated improved check processing system and method includes a data entry device (200, 202) for receiving checking account information (304, 306, 308) and a check amount (302) of a check (210, 300) provided in a transaction. The transaction may take place at a bank teller window or a point-of-sale. The checking account information and check amount are electronically transmitted to the institution or servicer (208) drawn on for electronic presentment and posting to the proper checking account. Additionally, an image capturer (204) may be used at the time of the transaction to obtain a digitized image of the face of the check. The captured image may then be forwarded electronically to a database, which is readily accessible for research purposes.

Abstract: A method of using a computer to select hotels described in a database. A special user interface permits entry of criteria in one or more categories that describe the hotel. The computer searches the database and displays a list of hotels that satisfy the criteria. The computer then permits the user to identify any hotel on the list and, in response, displays detailed information about that hotel. The selection categories and the detailed information are designed to provide two levels of information, thereby separating objective evaluation from subjective browsing.

Abstract: A method (1000) of automatically managing travel service information is provided. The method generates a business entity profile and individual profile for customers (1004, 1006), and stores the information in a relational database. Customer reservation services information retrieved from all available sources is also stored in the same database (1010). Consequently, the customer reservation services information and the profile information is made available, simultaneously, for use by an agent in processing a customer's travel request (1013).