Abstract: A contract authority for use by an automated system of record and an automated negotiations engine for iterative, multivariate negotiations which stores each set of terms proposed at each iteration to form the basis of the system of record. The contract authority of the invention assigns a unique identifier to each negotiated transaction and enables the participants to use that number to track all activities against the transaction for analysis and reporting purposes.

Abstract: The present invention applies a novel iterative algorithm to the problem of multidimensional optimization by supplying a strict, nonlinear mathematical solution to what has traditionally been treated as a linear multidimensional problem. The process consists of randomly selecting a statistically significant sample of a prospect list, calculating the value of the utility function for each pair of an offer and selected prospects, reducing the original linear multidimensional problem to a non-linear problem with a feasible number of dimensions, solving the non-linear problem for the selected sample numerically with the desired tolerance using an iterative algorithm, and using the results to calculate an optimal set of offers in one pass for the full prospect list.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for assigning a survey to a respondent are provided. According to one technique, a set of one or more screening questions are generated and provided to the respondent. Input data is received in response to the respondent answering the set of one or more screening questions. Based on how the respondent answered the set of one or more screening questions, it is determined which survey should be presented to the respondent. According to another aspect, the set of one or more screening questions is generated based on the target participation criteria that is associated with one or more active surveys.

Abstract: A toll collection arrangement based on the position and travel of a vehicle. A charging area is defined with a buffer area surrounding it. Charges are made when a vehicle enters the charging area for the first time from the buffer area. Later excursions from the charging area into the buffer area and returns from the buffer area to the charging area are not double charged. Vehicle position information can be GPS based.

Abstract: A charging system which carries out position confirmation of a moving body at a place where there is a radio wave blocked facility, and which carries out automatic detection of GPS antenna blockage for avoiding charging. The charging system includes a GPS positioning device for recognizing a vehicle position, a vehicle speed pulse measuring device for dead reckoning navigating, a monitor device which generates information expressing a current position by using these, and a charging processing which judges whether or not a recognized current position is within a charge area and which carries out data processing for charging. The monitor includes a simple map database which includes positions of facilities or geographical features at which GPS positioning is impossible, and when GPS positioning is impossible, the facility or geographical feature corresponding to the current position is detected, and that position is made to be a current position.

Abstract: A toll-paying device for use in a vehicle passing through a lane having a tollhouse in a toll collection system. In response to a driver inserting an IC card which at least stores a card ID in the card slot of the device, a traveling status of the vehicle is detected to indicate an immobile or running state. In case of a running state of the vehicle, the driver is prohibited from entering a code such as a card ID or password. If the vehicle is stopped, the code entry is permitted. In an embodiment, the codes of IC cards that have been validated are registered in the toll-paying device so that if the driver uses one of the registered IC card, he or she is permitted to omit the code entry for the IC card. Techniques for preventing the driver from leaving his or her IC card in the keyhole of the vehicle is also disclosed.

Abstract: A system and method for operating a reward points accumulation and redemption program wherein a user earns reward points from a plurality of independent reward points issuing entities, with each tracking the user's earned reward points in a user reward point account stored on a rewards server (such as a frequent flyer account or a credit card loyalty account). A trading server accumulates some or all of the user's earned reward points from the reward servers and credits the accumulated points into a single reward exchange account associated with the user. The user may then select an item for purchase with the accumulated reward points. The item is provided to the user in exchange for a subset or all of the reward points.

Abstract: A method of dynamically scheduling a workforce includes obtaining workforce requirements, attributes and employee preferences, determining a workforce schedule based on the workforce requirements and attributes, determining a schedule value based on workforce requirements and employee preferences, and iteratively modifying the workforce schedule, determining a schedule value based on workforce requirements and preferences for the modified workforce schedule, and comparing schedule values to determine a best workforce schedule.

Abstract: In an arrangement and method for storing data about usage of a terminal device, a statistical memory is provided for the usage data, which are stored in statistical classes. A processor is connected to the statistical memory and a program memory and is programmed for automatic class formation, and for statistical storage of the usage data and appertaining storage of the count of a counter which is incremented upon each entry or occurrence of an item of the class.

Abstract: An improved consistency is provided between systems management systems (SMS) and workflow management systems (WFMS) by a linkage between the two. A tight, integrative linkage is provided which is managed and maintained automatically by the application, particular by the WFMS, or alternatively by the SMS. This provides a consistent business process oriented view of the SMS monitored resources, including information technology resources, such as programs, and WFMS monitored resources, including organization resources such as people. This is achieved by either of enhancing the application's monitor to include the functionality of the enterprise console; or enhancing the enterprise console to include the functionality of the WFMS's process monitor; and profiting from the merged information of both the SMS and the WFMS.

Abstract: An electronic price label (EPL) system which is capable of communicating with a group of EPLs. The system includes the group of EPLs, which is less than the total number of EPLs within a transaction establishment, and a computer which records a unique group identifier for a group of products associated with the EPLs, determines unique EPL identifiers for the group of EPLs from a table linking the unique group identifier to the unique EPL identifiers, and sends messages addressed to the unique EPL identifiers which contain identical information.

Abstract: An airline origin-destination revenue management software system supports decisions to accept or deny request for booking on airline seats by comparing the fare for the request with a minimum acceptable fare predetermined by the system. In order to determine the minimum acceptable fare, the system typically solves an optimization problem that takes as input the airline's flight network schedule, fares and forecasted passenger demands for all products available for booking on the airline's flight network, and available capacity on each of the airline's scheduled flights.

Abstract: This invention provides for a method of (or apparatus for) facilitating the delivery of advice to consumers using a server unit which can store and display the names and characteristics of experts and then rapidly assist in connecting the expert and consumer for real-time communication. The server can also have the ability to receive keywords from the consumer, match those keywords to one or more experts, and tell the consumer how to contact an expert.

Abstract: A method for determining the relationship between historical media support levels, media cost or spending, product pricing and product sales that provides the relative effectiveness and efficiency of a specific form of media at both a macro and micro level, as well as an understanding of media half-life and media saturation points. This method measures all known forms of media such as the commonly used media of television, radio and newspaper, as well as new forms of media advertising such as internet banners and email along with lesser used media like sides of buildings and taxi tops.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for promoting ones business. According to one implementation, a promotional message is imprinted on the face of a charge card. According to another implementation, the promotional message is imbedded in a coding device and is fetched and displayed by the cash register. According to yet another implementation, the message is stored in a telephone unit, and is sent to a called subscriber whenever a call is placed. A similar implementation is described with respect to e-mail systems.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of transacting e-mail, e-commerce, e-business and for transaction of other data communications having associated transaction data for use with a universal server by wirelessly networking a plurality of portable digital devices to an electronic commerce terminal. The system can also effectuate electronic commerce and interactive advertising at the point of sale. Vending equipment can be networked to each other through a first network, programmable and accessible by a PC, server, point of sale (POS) system, property or management information system (PMS/MIS), and networked to a second network. Complete control of a vending machine's functionality including usage, control, diagnostics, inventory, and marketing data capture can be effectuated locally or by remote connection to the network. Remote connection to the network includes Internet type connections, telecommunication (telephone, ISDN, ADSL), VSAT satellite, and other wire and wireless transmission.

Abstract: A computer system, and methods for making and using it, for changing digital electrical signals to generate a valuation of a fractional interest in a contingent interest in property, the computer apparatus including: an input device operable for converting input data representing property into input digital electrical signals representing the input date; a digital electrical computer having a processor, the processor electrically connected to the input device to receive the input digital electrical signals, the processor programmed to change3 the input digital electrical signals to produce modified digital electrical signals representing a valuation of a fractional interest in a contingent interest in the property associated with at least one lease default condition for the property; a memory electrically connected to the processor; and wherein the processor manipulates further digital electrical signals to generate at least one document for the contingent interest by inserting the valuation in pre-existing t

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system having access to the Internet for the purposes of transacting e-mail, e-commerce, and e-business and for communicating voice and data. In addition the present invention relates to a universal advertising and payment system and method for networking, monitoring and effectuating e-mail, e-commerce, and e-business and controlling vending equipment and applications. The system can also effectuate electronic commerce and interactive advertising at the point of sale. Vending equipment can be networked to each other through a first network, programmable and accessible by a PC, server, point of sale (POS) system, property or management information system (PMS/MIS), and networked to a second network. Complete control of a vending machine's functionality including usage, control, diagnostics, inventory, and marketing data capture can be effectuated locally or by remote connection to the network.

Abstract: A system for deploying to a client accounting installation a general procurement and accounts payable application specifically configured for the client by an enterprise includes a database server for (1) maintaining on a storage device a database of templates describing procedures for assessing, preparing, developing, deploying and supporting the application, and for (2) serving these templates to team members operating web-enabled terminals for coordinating, recording and tracking team activities with respect to the application while generating a description for adapting a front end server and an accounting system server to the requirements of the client.

Abstract: A method and system for tracking the productivity of technical support specialists in a call center using a client/server configuration. The system comprises a client component and a server component. The client component displays on a display device a form for entry of normal activity and exceptions to normal activity. The client component receives from the technical support specialist indications of normal activity and exceptions. Each indication of an exception includes its type and its length. The client component then requests the server component to record information relating to normal activity and exceptions. When the server component receives the request to record the information, the server component stores the information in a database. The system also provides a reporting component for generating reports to analyze the information stored in the database.