Abstract: A system and method of performing percutaneous image guided pericardial procedures is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of: providing a tool tracking system having a display for visualization of virtual representations of tracked tools which is configured to have a field of operation encompassing percutaneous pericardial space access and procedures; providing a patient specific three dimensional model of the patient for use in percutaneous pericardial space procedures that is registered with the tool tracking system for simultaneous display of the model and the virtual representation of the tracked tools on the system display; percutaneously inserting at least one tracked tool for the tool tracking system into the pericardial space; and simultaneously visualizing the virtual representation of the tracked tool and the patient specific model on the system display at least through a portion of a pericardial procedure.

Abstract: A method and system are disclosed for making bulk groupings of various products and services available for purchase and sale by an individual or a business. The method includes grouping a plurality of commodities into a bulk bundle. A first price is then established for purchase of the entire bulk bundle. A second price can also be established to permit a consumer to obtain an option to purchase the bulk bundle at a future date. A suitable communication and transaction system, such as an Internet connection, can be used to establish a market in which the bulk bundles can be transferred between or among providers and consumers. The method and system therefore combine conventional trading elements with several new elements, including the concept of partial consumption, to provide a unique method that can be applied in a variety of product and service categories.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of matching a data record with a reference record. The method includes receiving a data record; searching stored reference records for a reference record that is an exact match for the received data record; and, if an exact matching reference record is not found, calculating a distance between the received data record and at least one stored reference record, and determining the at least one stored reference record to be an approximate match, if the calculated distance is less than a pre-determined threshold. The inventive method and system can be used for, but not limited to, invoice processing in an Accounts Payable system, record conciliation in a securities trading system, finding preferred bonds in a bond trading system. Approximate matching records are ranked, and the closest match, or highest ranking match, may be automatically processed, if within a predetermined threshold.

Abstract: A computer implemented method for a principal to electronically establish and use an agent. The method comprising the steps of: the principal identifying a service requirement, the principal entering a communication medium to interact with a potential agent, the principal submitting an electronic request for service, the principal and the agent negotiating terms, establishing an electronic power of attorney between the principal and the agent, the agent performing the requested service; and the principal paying the agent.

Abstract: A method to trade objects over a network is described. A first order for an object having at least four dimensions associated with the object is received. A memory is searched for a second order with an object having at least four dimensions. The first order is matched with the second order in accordance with the search.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of matching a data record with a reference record. The method comprises receiving the data record; searching stored reference records for a reference record that is an exact match for the received data record; and if an exact matching reference record is not found, calculating a distance between the received data record and at least one stored reference record, and determining the at least one stored reference record to be an approximate match if the calculated distance is less than a pre-determined threshold.

Abstract: A data processing system and method for selecting securities and constructing an investment portfolio is based on a set of artificial neural networks which are designed to model and track the performance of each security in a given capital market and output a parameter which is related to the expected risk adjusted return for the security. Each artificial neural network is trained using a number of fundamental and price and volume history input parameters about the security and the underlying index. The system combines the expected return/appreciation potential data for each security via an optimization process to construct an investment portfolio which satisfies predetermined aggregate statistics. The data processing system receives input from the capital market and periodically evaluates the performance of the investment portfolio, rebalancing it whenever necessary to correct performance degradations.