Abstract: An interface that enables a user to determine optimum prices of products for sale. The interface includes a scenario/results processor through which the user prescribes an optimization scenario, and through which optimum prices are presented to the user. The optimum prices are determined by execution of the optimization scenario, where the optimum prices are determined based upon estimated product demand and calculated activity based costs. The scenario/results processor has an input/output processor and a scenario controller. The input/output processor acquires data corresponding to the optimization scenario from the user, and distributes optimization results to the user. The scenario controller is coupled to the input/output processor. The scenario controller controls acquisition of the data and the distribution of the optimization results in accordance with a price optimization procedure.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for determining optimum prices of products for sale. The apparatus includes a scenario/results processor through which a user prescribes an optimization scenario, and through which optimum prices are presented to the user. The optimum prices are determined by execution of the optimization scenario, where the optimum prices are determined based upon estimated product demand and calculated activity based costs. The scenario/results processor has an input/output processor and a scenario controller. The input/output processor acquires data corresponding to the optimization scenario from the user, and distributes optimization results to the user. The scenario controller is coupled to the input/output processor. The scenario controller controls acquisition of the data and the distribution of the optimization results in accordance with a price optimization procedure. The price optimization procedure enables the user to selectively prescribe the subset of the products for sale.

Abstract: A method for optimizing the prices of products for sale. The method includes utilizing a computer-based scenario/results processor within an optimization server to present a sequence of data entry templates to a user, whereby the user specifies an optimization scenario, and whereby the user is enabled to prescribed and prioritize rules for the optimization scenario; within the optimization server, optimizing the prices according to market demand for the products and demand chain costs for the products; and generating a plurality of optimization results templates and providing these templates to the user, wherein the optimum prices are presented. The optimizing includes estimating the market demand and calculating the demand chain costs for the products; selectively limiting the number of prices that are optimized by said optimizing; and, up to a limit, progressively relaxing lower priority rules that contribute to a conflict in order to render the optimizing feasible.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for an interface enabling a user to determine optimum prices of products for sale. The interface includes a scenario/results processor that enables the user to prescribe an optimization scenario, and that presents the optimum prices to the user. The optimum prices are determined by execution of the optimization scenario, where the optimum prices are determined based upon estimated product demand and calculated activity based costs. The scenario/results processor has an input/output processor and a scenario controller. The input/output processor acquires data corresponding to the optimization scenario from the user, and distributes optimization results to the user, where the data includes activity based cost data. The scenario controller is coupled to the input/output processor. The scenario controller controls acquisition of the data and the distribution of the optimization results in accordance with a price optimization procedure.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are described that provide a mini golf course on a single, configurable platform comprised by at least one obstacle, hazard, hole position, tee position, manually placed add-ins, and a control panel. On one embodiment, a player uses the control panel to arrange a combination of options to provide a unique mini golf hole. A player may create one or more mini golf holes to comprise a complete mini golf game.

Abstract: A method for updating a master product attribute catalog database for consumer response modeling is provided. Data is received from at least one source of product data. A data integrity check is preformed on the received data. A reconciliation is performed between the received data and the master product attribute catalog. The reconciled received data is placed in a master product attribute catalog.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for determining an optimum promotion plan for merchandising of products for sale. A scenario/results processor enables a user to prescribe an optimization scenario, and presents the optimum promotion plan to the user, where the optimum promotion plan is determined by execution of the optimization scenario. The demand engine models relationships between potential prices of the products and market demand for the products, where the potential prices correspond to potential promotion events and potential supplier offers. The activity based cost engine estimates demand chain costs for the products based upon the market demand. The promotion optimization engine employs the market demand and the demand chain costs to determine the optimum promotion plan, where the optimum promotion plan maximizes a merchandising performance figure of merit according to the optimization scenario, and where the optimum promotion plan comprises a subset of the promotion events and potential supplier offers.

Abstract: The present invention provides a simple interactive device intended to be used by the customer for acquiring an image of the customer, interactively allowing the customer to try on virtual shades of lipstick, makeup, color contacts, hair color, and/or apparel at the same time to change their appearance. The present invention takes into account the deviations due to the input devices and the output devices thereby resulting in laboratory quality color accuracy and very realistic images. Since it is so accurate, customers may rely on the present invention instead of “trying on” the products. This allows a customer to view many different colors and color schemes in a fraction of the time, while freeing up store employees. The present invention may also display several images simultaneously to allow a customer to efficiently determine the best color scheme or look requiring minimal employee input.

Abstract: An interface that enables a user to determine optimum prices of products for sale. The interface includes a scenario/results processor through which the user prescribes an optimization scenario, and through which optimum prices are presented to the user. The optimum prices are determined by execution of the optimization scenario, where the optimum prices are determined based upon estimated product demand and calculated activity based costs. The scenario/results processor has an input/output processor and a scenario controller. The input/output processor acquires data corresponding to the optimization scenario from the user, and distributes optimization results to the user. The scenario controller is coupled to the input/output processor. The scenario controller controls acquisition of the data and the distribution of the optimization results in accordance with a price optimization procedure.

Abstract: A technique for determining optimum prices of products. The apparatus includes a scenario/results processor, a demand engine, an activity based cost engine, and a price optimization engine. The scenario/results processor enables a user to prescribe an optimization scenario, and presents the optimum prices to the user, where the optimum prices are determined by execution of the optimization scenario. The demand engine models relationships between potential prices of the products and market demand for the products. The activity based cost engine estimates costs for the products based upon market demand. The price optimization engine employs the market demand and the demand chain costs to determine the optimum prices, where the optimum prices are a subset of the potential prices, and where the optimum prices maximize a merchandising performance figure of merit according to the optimization scenario.

Abstract: A method for providing interface to an apparatus for optimizing a promotion plan for merchandising products, including utilizing a computer-based scenario/results processor within an optimization server to present a sequence of data entry templates to a user, whereby the user specifies an optimization scenario, the optimization server optimizing the promotion plan according to modeled market for the products and calculated demand chain costs for the products, where the calculated demand chain costs include fixed and variable costs for the products; and generating a plurality of optimization results templates and proving these templates to the user, wherein optimum promotion events and optimum supplier offers are presented.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods, media and systems for generating imputing econometric variables from raw econometric data. A method for generating cleansed initial dataset from corrected raw econometric data comprises inputting raw econometric data, formatting and classifying the raw econometric, conducting an initial error detection and correction, defining a store data set hierarchy, conducting a second error detection and correction, defining product attributes and demand groups, updating attribute information, defining equivalizing factors, conducting a third error detection and correction, subsetting data to facilitate increased processing speeds, conducting a fourth error detection and correction and outputting the cleansed initial dataset.

Abstract: An interactive computer for selecting color contact lenses and eyeglass or sunglass frames having a touch screen display, a digital camera, and streaming video technology. The computer takes a picture of the user and displays it on the monitor. The user can then select contact lenses of different colors to try on. Similarly, the user can put on different eyeglass or sunglass frames and take pictures to be displayed on the monitor. In this way, the user can view his or her face wearing a series of different color contacts or eyeglass/sunglass frames to determine which color or style they prefer. Furthermore, the user can view his selections while having the benefit of wearing his prescription contact lenses or eyeglass so that his perception of his selections is not visually impaired.

Abstract: A gas cylinder includes a cylindrically-shaped main wall having a liner, a facing and insulation located between the liner and the facing. First and second electric, self-regulating heating elements are positioned between the liner and the insulation. The liner is provided with first and second pockets and the first and second heating elements are located within the pockets. The first heating element has a higher wattage density than the second heating element and the first heating element is located below the second heating element. A sealed conduit enclosure contains a terminal block connecting a power input cable to the first and second heating elements. A planar top wall is located at the top of the main wall and has an opening for passage of a regulator of the gas cylinder.

Abstract: An additive system for polyester polymers comprising an effective amount of (i) a fatty acid amide selected from the group consisting of oleyl palmitamide, ethylene bis stearamide, ethylene bis oleomide, and stearyl erucamide; (ii) a partially or fully calcined porous poly(methylsilsequioxane); and (iii) a stabilizer comprising a primary and a secondary antioxidant.

Abstract: Bottles, containers and other articles are formed from polypropylene compositions that include a reheating agent, such as antimony, carbon black, graphite, titanium, copper, manganese, iron, tungsten, graphite, infra-red absorbing dyes or other infra-red absorbing material. The reheating time for the polypropylene composition is shortened for injection stretch blow molding or thermoforming, and the polypropylene granule composition with reheating agent has an L* value of at least 80% of the L* value for a polypropylene granule control without added reheating agents as measured by the Gardner color test. The reheating agent may be incorporated into the polypropylene composition by in situ chemical reduction of a metal compound, such as antimony triglycolate, with a reducing agent, such as hypophosphorous acid. In addition, the polypropylene composition with reheating agent may be derived from a polypropylene masterbatch with high concentrations of reheating agent.

Abstract: Monoclonal antibodies directed against coagulation factors and their use in inhibiting thrombosis in combination with plasminogen activators are disclosed.

Abstract: A method and system for ensuring quality of service between a first network with a first quality of service and a second network with a second, different quality of service. The method includes dynamically mapping quality of service for data flows between the two networks using a signaling protocol common to the two networks. The system includes a first network, a second network, and a signaling protocol proxy coupled between the first and second networks. The signaling protocol proxy has a module that dynamically maps quality of service for data flows flowing between the first and second networks.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for determining an optimum promotion plan for merchandising of products for sale. The apparatus includes a scenario/results processor that enables a user to prescribe an optimization scenario, and that presents the optimum promotion plan to the user, where the optimum promotion plan is determined by execution of the optimization scenario, and where the optimum promotion plan is determined based upon estimated product demand and calculated activity based costs. The scenario/results processor has an input/output processor and a scenario controller. The input/output processor acquires data corresponding to the optimization scenario from the user, and distributes optimization results to the user. The scenario controller is coupled to the input/output processor. The scenario controller controls the acquisition of the data and the distribution of the optimization results in accordance with a promotion plan optimization procedure.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for an interface enabling a user to determine optimum prices of products for sale. The interface includes a scenario/results processor that enables the user to prescribe an optimization scenario, and that presents the optimum prices to the user. The optimum prices are determined by execution of the optimization scenario, where the optimum prices are determined based upon estimated product demand and calculated activity based costs. The scenario/results processor has an input/output processor and a scenario controller. The input/output processor acquires data corresponding to the optimization scenario from the user, and distributes optimization results to the user. The scenario controller is coupled to the input/output processor. The scenario controller controls acquisition of the data and the distribution of the optimization results in accordance with a price optimization procedure.